West Highland Way 2014 - The Final Push

Immovable Objects.  Eddie prepares for the Devil's Staircase

Mary arrived to hand over to Eddie at the foot of the Devil's Staircase. This was considered a safe leg as there is no obvious way of diverting to Oban from this path, the steep climb being followed by a long, fast descent in Kinlochleven. This time last year such a descent would have been impossible for Eddie due to knee problems but with a rigorous regime of strengthening exercises, there were no such problems this year.With Eddie's strengthened knees, After a scenic drive round to Kinlochleven, the remainder of the Harriers proceeded to stretch the capabilities of the under-staffed ice wall cafe in Kinlochleven in search of refreshments.

Eddie sweeps into Kinlochleven to hand over to Frances

Shortly after, Eddie appeared flying down the rocky track into Kinlochleven to hand over to Frances who had made the mistake a week previously of mentioning that she quite liked this very tough 8 mile leg out of Kinlochleven over to Lundavra. Karen decided that she would accompany Frances on this one and so they both set off on the initially flat stretch through Kinlockleven before starting the very steep climb up to the Mamore Lodge and onto the old military trail through to Lundavra. Frances gradually pulled away on the top trail and only a momentary loss of concentration resulting in a trip and a skint knee slowed her down with Karen only a short distance behind.

I take over from Frances who has given 100% and some blood

At Lundavra I had arranged to meet former Harrier Jimmy Stewart who has lived in Roy Bridge for many years. Jimmy was looking for a 10 minute start over me but as Frances arrived ahead of schedule, he was lucky if he got 5 minutes. The first part of this leg is quite tough with some steep climbs but the bonus is that the last 3 miles is a sweeping descent on a forest road. I also had a trip on the ascent but no skint knees and I had the benefit of many runners on the ultra challenge to pass (and Jimmy who I caught on the ascent through the forest). On hitting the forest road, I needed a few minutes to get the legs working again after the climb and then started to fly. On the way I ran through a checkpoint for the ultra runners where the marshalls tried to get my number but soon realised I was travelling way too fast to be in their race! Just before the end, the track climbs a little which is a bit of a nuisance, destroying the pace a little but not for long and the final 400m is downhill to the Braveheart Car Park where the massed Harriers were waiting for the final three quarter mile into Fort William. The advance party of Maud and Sandra had set off before my arrival to clear the way!

No sign of fatigue there!

I carried on to the finish with Stephen at a fair pace but not fast enough to out sprint Russell. The camera never lies but the photo below is the exception to that rule!

Not for public circulation!

 And finally we were in Fort William on a day of unexpectedly good weather and a few new twists to the West Highland Way history book. Thanks to all who participated, filling the available places in double quick time and for incredible enthusiasm. A huge thanks to Frances for efficiently organising the bus and hotel and signing up all the participants and to Eddie and Jim for sharing the driving.

There may be a postscript to this story with the post run events further documented in pictures! Be very afraid (some of you).
Alan

Spot the difference!