A West Highland Way Adventure

One of our members Andrew’s recently completed the West Highland Way. Here he tells us, in his own words, all about their adventure. 

I had great fun walking the “West Highland Way” last week with my Mum and my sister, Rachel.

On the first day we started off at Milngavie and walked to Drymen where we stayed at the “Kip in the Kirk”. We were the first guests of the year so the owner gave us prosecco and made us tea and scones which was so lovely.

The next day we walked to Rowardennan over the Conic Hill. There were fantastic views over Loch Lomond but Rachel thought that Mum and I were very slow walking down the hill!

The third day was the one I found the hardest when we walked the length of Loch Lomond to Inverarnan for 14 miles. It was very up-and-down with lots of boulders to clamber over.

I said to Mum that I thought I “would die from exhaustion!”

Mum was due (and very thankful!) to finish after the third day so Rachel and I walked on together to Tyndrum. It was a slightly shorter walk of 9 miles and we finished a bit earlier.

That was just as well as the next day was the longest- 19 miles from Tyndrum by Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse – and was Rachel’s favourite day. We were lucky that the weather was dry as we had to cross Rannoch Moor and there’s not much shelter there.

I said it was like a “walk in the park” and enjoyed my cup of tea and empire biscuit when we finished! We got a taxi to take us to our Bed and Breakfast in Glencoe.

Back by bus the next morning to start at Kingshouse and walk up over the Devil’s Staircase to Kinlochleven. Unfortunately it was a bit misty with some hailstones as well so the views were not as good as expected. When we arrived in Kinlochleven the sun came out and we could sit outside and enjoy the views of the hills.

Our last day was from Kinlochleven to Fort William. The very end when you walk the last 2 miles on the road was a bit of a slog and I was a bit tired by now so I sat down at a bus stop when we reached Fort William and wouldn’t move to the finish line for a bit!

We were supposed to get a train to Glasgow but there was a train strike so Mum and Dad came to pick us up in Fort William. They brought a bottle of prosecco which we all enjoyed. I felt very tired but as if I have achieved something- walking 96 miles in a week!

Now I’d like to walk the one in Spain! (the Camino de Santiago).

Do you have a story you would like to share with us? We would love to hear about it. You can send your story to Claire@dsscotland.org.uk.