The path, known as the Devil's Staircase, out of Glencoe zig zags uphill. I pretended that I stopped to take the photo - it was actually to get my breath back! Other West highland Way walkers can be seen struggling up hill.
The path winds its way into the distance - typical of today's route.
Me with Benno , from Holland , who is also walking LEJOG.
Me, woolly hat, and the new hire car.The warm sunshine of the last few walking days deserted me today. I therefore didn't need to put suncream on - I did however resort to the woolly hat for most of the morning walk from Kingshouse to Kinlochleven. Although it did drizzle for most of the morning it never got really bad and I marched along quite happily - helped by overtaking quite a number of backpackers slowed down by their heavy loads. I also met a backpacker from Holland 2 or 3 miles from Kinlochleven. after speaking for a few minutes we realised that we were both doing LEJOG. His name was Benno Tymense and he is doing LEJOG the hard way - he did the South West coast path to Minehead and also did the Pennine Way. He estimated that he had walked about 1,000 miles to date compared to my 750. He started walking on 2 April and hopes to finish by the time of the World Cup final. We had lunch together and when I set off for another 8 miles he set off to find a campsite for the night. He said that he will be supporting England against Germany on Sunday. thanks for the donation to BHF Benno and good luck for the rest of your walk.
After meeting a lot of walkers this morning the afternoon was in complete contrast and I went over an hour without seeing anyone at one point. This had a certain serenity about it and it was wonderful walking through the mountains with only the occasional sheep for company. I managed to reach a car park to meet Jean about 6/7 miles from Fort William and the end of the WHW. Despite the problems in walking along the banks of Loch Lomond I have really enjoyed doing the WHW particularly as it has a sense of camaraderie along the paths as well as at the hotels along the Way which are used almost entirely by walkers and a few cyclists.
Tomorrow I move straight from the WHW to the Great Glen Way which starts in Fort William.
In response to Bob's question about my schedule - I hope to reach JOG on Monday 5 July ie a further 11 days walking. This schedule assumes that I can walk about 20 miles a day (where conditions allow) and do not have any more rest days. I realise that this may put some strain on my shins but I know that I will be able to give them a rest soon, and that if necessary I can walk through any pain for say 100 miles or so. I would not have said that when I first had the shin problems when there were over 600 miles to go. I have 202 miles to go at present having walked 743 so far.
Jean had a good day visiting Glencoe, with its striking scenery, and went to the National Trust visitor centre and the Folk Museum. She learnt that a certain Lieutenant Lindsay was involved in the Glencoe Massacre and was one of the ones made to take the blame to shield their senior officers. She also obtained a donation to BHF from the lady at the Museum.
Yesterday was a rest day. Unfortunately we had to spend the time travelling 70 miles each way to Perth to resolve the problems with our car. We had been told that a new gear box was required and that the cost would be about equal to the value of the car. After a lot of discussions we decided to get the car repaired. We have hired a car for the rest of the adventure.
Today's KBW's are :-
Benno - for being as crazy as me and for his generosity
Sue and Neil - for help with our car problems
"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." - John Muir
Cheers
Keith
