May 2014 ~ West Highland Way Challenge

Monday, 5 May 2014

Day 4 - Kinlochleven to Fort William – 16miles

09:00 No comments

Leaving Kinlochleven in the morning at 7.15, the WHW ascends steeply up to the mountains and then continues at the top all the way to Fort William where it then drops down gradually.

In the photo below you can see Kinlochleven left behind in the valley.

Here is Kavibhai about to pull a trick!

And he appears from nowhere - off piste!!

Ajaybhai and Kavibhai posing and having a break.

Group 4 (Speedy Gonzales) catching up Group 3!

Group 3 powering ahead! Spot the sweeper - Ajaybhai!

But the literal last miles are easier as you see the first glimpse of the majestic Ben Nevis. You can also see the path leading to the top of Ben Nevis - so it is definitely a temptation for the hardy walkers to continue to the top after reaching Fort William.

For us, reaching the end of West Highland Way at Fort William was more than an achievement!!!

All the above pictures you see are all within the 16 miles from Kinlochleven to Fort William - I am sure you will agree at the diversity of the landscape in such a short distance. We loved Scotland! Just so beautiful! Awesome!! It is at our doorstep, but many a times we seek to explore lands further afield to find such areas of outstanding natural beauty. Go and visit Scotland.

www.visitScotland.com

Day 3d - Kingshouse to Kinlochleven – 9miles

16:00 No comments

This was seemingly going to be the toughest section of the walk. Mainly because of the Devils Staircase, which at 550m (1850ft) is the highest point along the way and we were going to cover 28 miles on this third day - after the gruelling two previous days.

The surfaces are mainly good but you are very highly exposed. After you reach the top of Devils Staircase, there is a descent down to Kinlochleven, although short it's still a hard stage in wet weather.

Day 3c - Inveroran to Kingshouse – 10miles

13:00 No comments

The surface is mainly good underfoot but on Rannoch Moor you are highly exposed in bad weather. There is no shelter of any kind available until you reach the White Corries ski centre (8m). The scenery is spectacular but this can be a very tough stage of the Way.

Day 3b - Bridge of Orchy to Inveroran – 2miles

10:00 No comments

This is a short, straightforward stage which acts as an introduction to the wilderness of Rannoch Moor.

At this point a blister on the right foot was beginning to bother me a bit!!

Day 3a - Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy – 7miles

07:00 No comments

This was meant to be the toughest of the four days! But with another great breakfast and wonderful support from the four volunteers, everyone was on a mission, motivated and inspired, to complete this day successfully.

Here is the last shop until Kinlochleven - 28 miles to go!

Day 2d - Crianlarich to Tyndrum – 6miles

17:00 No comments

This last section of the day from Crianlarich to Tyndrum was easier to complete relative to the morning. A bit wet in patches but nothing to make us uncomfortable.

Good paths and tracks with some moderate ascent and descent, but nothing unduly difficult and nowhere far from services. A straightforward day of glen and low pass walking amid outstanding mountain scenery.

My camera battery had run out and so will post some photos from other walkers in due course.

Day 2c - Inverarnan to Crianlarich – 6miles

14:00 No comments

After lunch at Inverarnan, we continued to Crianlarich.

Day 2b - Inversnaid to Inverarnan – 7miles

11:00 No comments

The route along the shores of Loch Lomond continues to Inverarnan.

The trek along the shores was very challenging as the paths were narrow and rocky in places. Our average time went under 2 miles an hour and this meant that we had to speed up a bit for the remaining section for the day.