today is day 5 of walking the WHW. We started in Milngavie on Wednesday and walked 19.4 kilometers to Drymen, Thursday was 23.4 km to Rowardennan, Friday 22.6 km to Inveranan, Saturday 18.5 km to Tyndrum. And today (the longest day) 30.5 km to Kingshouse. (30.5 km is about 19.5 miles). Each day has had its unique challenges whether that is altitude gain, path surfaces, scrambling over rocks, steep ascents or descents (and I mean steep!), or long, more gradual ups and downs. We have been very lucky with the weather. These stretches of warm, dry days are not typical. Though it’s been uncharacteristically warm, I’m not complaining! Shorts and tank tops every day, no blisters, and (knock on wood) no slips, trips, sprains, or aggravation of the hamstring injury. It’s been so much fun even if strenuous a fair amount of each day.
Rain is in the forecast tomorrow. It’s suppose to rain about .5 inches over a few hours from about 1 PM on. It’s our short day – only 9 miles- but I clued the challenging Devil’s Staircase in the middle of the walk. It is a steep climb to the highest point on the WHW followed by am 8 kilometer descent into where we will stay in Kinlochleven.
I think after the long walk today and in anticipation of the steep high climb tomorrow we have really nice accommodations tonight with a reportedly nice restaurant.
That will leave us one more day, 24.2 km into Fort Williams.
this has been a great experience. It’s nice to clear one’s mind of all the stressful things that take up space in your head. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much more clear headed I feel, how much I am enjoying the physicality of the walks. Up to seven or eight hours of walking each day – some periods of walking along with John in conversation and stretches of silence where there is natural separation in our pace but assuring we can always have a line of sight to be sure we are each okay. We don’t really take more than maybe one brief break a day to eat a snack. We are fairly good about staying hydrated, especially in the heat. One hesitation about stopping are the “midges”, mosquitos, and horse flies. We have good repellent but they come after you pretty aggressively if you slow down. Having had all dry days has helped!
We have met nice people and had a few decent meals but I would not suggest you come to do this for the food. Scottish fare is, well, not my choice. I’m still looking for a salad. Maybe tonight?! We had Indian food last night – best meal we have had.
I am certainly reminded why I love to travel. I’m looking forward to what the coming weeks will bring. I feel so relaxed and content. There is always something to learn about the places and people along the way. I have yet to have an experience of any anti-American sentiment or animosity. People have been so genuinely warm and helpful. That may not persist throughout my trip but I’m not going to look for trouble.