After a surprisingly cold night I woke realising that camping in a communal area has it's pros and cons. It had been nice going to sleep knowing that you're surrounded by like minded folk. But a tent on my right played Elvis music until the early hours, and a man in the tent to my left sounded like he was in training for the world snoring championships.
The sun was shining for a change as I set off to continue my southward journey on the West Highland Way. The first section today climbed up close to ski lifts at the Glencoe Mountain Resort. It was a relief that the surface nearly all day today was better than yesterday. The path was more like cobbles now, far from perfect, but much better than rubble and rocks. Also there was the bonus of bridges over the streams
The path then passes through the spectacular Highland wilderness of Rannoch Moor until you reach a short stretch of tarmac road leading to The Inveroran Hotel. From the hotel the path leaves the road and goes up a steep path to cross a ridge. This climb was the toughest of the day, sticking to the road looked like an easier option, but the views over Loch Tulla from the top were fantastic.
After The Bridge of Orchy, a scenic spot where I stopped for a cold drink, the path continues along the foot slopes of a mountain following the railway line until it reaches Tyndrum. Surely Tyndrum must be smallest town in the country to have two separate railway stations. I found the local campsite, pitched my tent then made the most of the camp showers after a day in the sun.
GPS data click here
Mileage today; 19.40 miles, walking time 5 hrs 16 mins, average walking speed 3.7 mph
Weather; sunny, Max 17C
Cumulative mileage; 251.89 miles
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| A view of Loch Tulla |
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| Rannoch Moor, unspoilt Highland wilderness |
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| The Bridge of Orchy |
Hi Gary,
ReplyDeleteYou don't me or anything, but I'm just a random person on the Internet who's been following your blog. I recently walked along most of the West Highland Way myself and had a great time. I noticed on your Twitter messages that you're currently at the Inversnaid Bunkhouse. I stayed there myself and thought it was a really cool place with friendly people, so I hope you're having fun too.
Hi Karen,
ReplyDeleteThe Inversnaid Bunkhouse was great, I had a fun time there just like you, all the guests did. Finding a wonderful place like that enriches my walk.
Gary