Crainlarich

We anticipated yesterday was going to be tough, just not as tough as it actually was. I booked ahead a B&B in Crainlarich, a short 7 miles from Beinglas. We are so glad we did!

We didn’t need to be up early so we remained in our sleeping bags to the sound of our fellow walkers dismantling their tents. When we emerged from ours most had gone.

We went to the bar for some breakfast and said goodbye to the few backpackers we had met over the last three days. As we are having a short day today, it will be unlikely we will cross paths again on this trip.

In the bar I took the time to write up my blog from yesterday’s trials and tribulations, while dad went for a shower.

We still ached from yesterday and our legs were stiff, but we were in no rush. Around about 1100 we packed our tent away in yet another rain shower. The weather seemed to hold off until the most inconvenient moment.

We left the site at 1200 after stocking up at the shop. As per custom on this trek it was straight on to an incline. We reached the brow of the hill and looked back for our last look at the most welcomed port in the proverbial storm.

I highly recommend the Beinglas Campsite; they have cabins, glamping pods, bar and shop. They really catered for backpackers. I shall return for a short break sometime in the future.

The route for about a mile was on a gravel stone road which made very easy walking, however it soon went to a stoney footpath typical of fell walking. The sun was out and the occasional showers didn’t warrant us putting our waterproofs on.

Always remember when on walks to look behind; it is good to see how far you have travelled and also you may miss out and some stunning scenery.

The footpath leads across a small river that joins the River Falloch, however when we got there the bridge was out. Thank god we didn’t have this obstacle last night! It certainly would have broke us!

We walked up and down the bank a few times to scout a suitable crossing point. I had flashbacks from when I had gotten lost on the descent of Skafell Pike during my three peak challenge; I had to wade across a river with my boots around my neck!

Luckily this time I found some adequate stepping stones!

We continued on in the sunshine and the path eventually ran along side the train track, at which point a train slowly passed us. We did the most typical British thing and waved at all the passengers!

Our spirits were high, the sun was out, the terrain was easy and we started to enjoy the walk again. The path eventually went under the railway and forcing us to crouch through the tunnel, which was awkward with the packs.

The path then went under the main road and up a steep section following an old military road. Luckily we had some sheep show us the way.

The military road led up a gradual incline and presented little difficulty. When we had about 1 mile to go, the rain came back and was with us all the way to our B&B. The path to Crainlarich splintered away from the West Highland Way through a forest.

We finally arrived in Crainlarich just as my GPS watch beeped 7 miles; I was more precise today than the day before! As we approached the village we passed the train station.

Had this been the end of our day yesterday, I reckon there would have been a strong possibilty I would be home tonight!

We made our way to our B&B, the Glenardran House. We were greeted by Rod and Andrea, very friendly and welcoming proprietors. They couldn’t be more accommodating. They took our wet clothing and placed it in a drying room for us. The premise is warm and inviting, everything tired and wet walkers need; we made an excellent descision.

The pub was practically next door, so after a quick trip to the local shop for supplies we went in for a couple of pints and a meal.

Tomorrow is a 13 mile trek to the Bridge of Orchy which will be our first night wild camping! We will make the most of our warm beds tonight.