Six intrepid walkers set off from Milngavie for Fort William.
Day 1 covered the route from Milngavie to Drymen. This was an easy start to our adventure and with the weather forecast looking good, the waterproofs were packed away. A lunch time stop at the Beach Tree required a short term loan to purchase some isotonic products to quench the thirst. With our pockets much lighter, we continued on to Drymen where we were joined for dinner by Madame President. (Best table manners the order of the day).
Day 2 we set off for Rowardennan. A rare sighting of a student (Stephen) at a cash machine was observed. Up over Conic Hill and on to our 1st taste of the Youth Hostels. The gents dorm was of smaller dimensions and gave Scot the opportunity to reminded Stephen that if the path of righteousness was not adhered to, this was the type of accommodation our Majesty would provide. Throughout our walk, Irene and Caroline made sure all dogs were patted, donkeys fed polo mints and fellow walkers quizzed as to their country of origin, destination, lucky number, favourite colour etc.
Day 3 saw the trek up the loch side to Crianlarich. A stop was made at the Inversnaid Hotel for emergency foot repairs from our travelling blister nurse armed with needles and scissors. The squeamish members of the party retired to the bar. Onwards to Ben Glas Farm for a short stop. More short term loans required for a bowl of soup, but served with the traditional Scottish tourism sour face!
Arrived at Crianlarich to a feast at the Rod & Reel. Highly recommended. Caroline adopted a litter of pups at their B&B. Graham checked his rucksack in the morning to make sure he was not carrying any excess baggage in the form of a puppy or two.
Day 4 was the journey to Bridge of Orchy. On arrival, six pairs of feet had a very welcome cool down in the river followed by several glasses of the isotonic Crabbies alcoholic ginger beer. Highly recommended! Bus back to Crianlarich (free) for another feast at the Rod & Reel).
Day 5 started with a taxi ride to B of O to commence the walk to Kings House. On route much deliberation was taken as to the correct route at Forrest Lodge. After a quickly convened committee meeting, the path over Rannoch Moor was taken. More isotonic drinks on arrival at Kings House.
Day 6 saw another day of sunshine for the walk to Kinlochleven. At the top of the Devil’s Staircase, a pause to toast and remember a dear friend (Christopher). A chat with two mountain bikers confirmed our view that brains and mountain biking are not connected!
Day 7 started with much alarm. Rain! What’s this? The Gods had finally given up on us and sent a reminder that it really was Scotland. We set off with Fort William in our thoughts and the final leg of our trek. Just after Lundarva, we were joined by Irene’s brother and friends to accompany us to Fort William. There we were greeted by Eddie, Sandra, Stuart, Maude and Frances. A welcome sight to escort us firstly to the old finishing line and then to seek out the new finishing line. Not sure if we found it, but we stopped when we ran out of Main Street. A great week with thanks to Scot for his meticulous planning and to the rest of the team for some great chat and bonhomie!
Day 1 covered the route from Milngavie to Drymen. This was an easy start to our adventure and with the weather forecast looking good, the waterproofs were packed away. A lunch time stop at the Beach Tree required a short term loan to purchase some isotonic products to quench the thirst. With our pockets much lighter, we continued on to Drymen where we were joined for dinner by Madame President. (Best table manners the order of the day).
Day 2 we set off for Rowardennan. A rare sighting of a student (Stephen) at a cash machine was observed. Up over Conic Hill and on to our 1st taste of the Youth Hostels. The gents dorm was of smaller dimensions and gave Scot the opportunity to reminded Stephen that if the path of righteousness was not adhered to, this was the type of accommodation our Majesty would provide. Throughout our walk, Irene and Caroline made sure all dogs were patted, donkeys fed polo mints and fellow walkers quizzed as to their country of origin, destination, lucky number, favourite colour etc.
Day 3 saw the trek up the loch side to Crianlarich. A stop was made at the Inversnaid Hotel for emergency foot repairs from our travelling blister nurse armed with needles and scissors. The squeamish members of the party retired to the bar. Onwards to Ben Glas Farm for a short stop. More short term loans required for a bowl of soup, but served with the traditional Scottish tourism sour face!
Arrived at Crianlarich to a feast at the Rod & Reel. Highly recommended. Caroline adopted a litter of pups at their B&B. Graham checked his rucksack in the morning to make sure he was not carrying any excess baggage in the form of a puppy or two.
Day 4 was the journey to Bridge of Orchy. On arrival, six pairs of feet had a very welcome cool down in the river followed by several glasses of the isotonic Crabbies alcoholic ginger beer. Highly recommended! Bus back to Crianlarich (free) for another feast at the Rod & Reel).
Day 5 started with a taxi ride to B of O to commence the walk to Kings House. On route much deliberation was taken as to the correct route at Forrest Lodge. After a quickly convened committee meeting, the path over Rannoch Moor was taken. More isotonic drinks on arrival at Kings House.
Day 6 saw another day of sunshine for the walk to Kinlochleven. At the top of the Devil’s Staircase, a pause to toast and remember a dear friend (Christopher). A chat with two mountain bikers confirmed our view that brains and mountain biking are not connected!
Day 7 started with much alarm. Rain! What’s this? The Gods had finally given up on us and sent a reminder that it really was Scotland. We set off with Fort William in our thoughts and the final leg of our trek. Just after Lundarva, we were joined by Irene’s brother and friends to accompany us to Fort William. There we were greeted by Eddie, Sandra, Stuart, Maude and Frances. A welcome sight to escort us firstly to the old finishing line and then to seek out the new finishing line. Not sure if we found it, but we stopped when we ran out of Main Street. A great week with thanks to Scot for his meticulous planning and to the rest of the team for some great chat and bonhomie!
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