Bridge of Orchy

The comfy beds were exactly what our weary bodies needed. However I woke with a dodgey stomach that required an Imodium. I can’t figure out if it was something I had eaten or my body is still in shock from the 21 miler.

We had our breakfast which made us feel human again and picked up a very hearty pack launch from the proprietors. There was a party of three ladies also doing the WHW that we had a chat with.

The BnB was a great choice and Rod was very knowledgeable about the WHW, giving us tips and advice for the rest of the journey. If anyone is undertaking this walk or just passing through, I really recommend you spend a night here.

We had to rejoin the WHW by climbing back through the forest. We reached the sign post pointing us further up the hill. This marks the halfway point.

The next four miles according the map was going to be the most difficult for the day. It consisted of fairly steep inclines and declines.

The path soon descended out of the woods and crossed the main road, opening to wide open fields and bog land of the Strath Fillan valley.

We came up to a cross road with a lost looking couple. They were undecided which route was the WHW. Luckily I had saved the map in offline mode for the Ordance Survey App as there was no signal. I was able to show them the way. Judging from their accents they were our friends from the continent. This is a multinational route, a great aspect of the experience.

Good deed done for the day, we continued on. We came across the ruins of the Fillan Priory and a very lonely graveyard that seems very out of place. I said to my dad, “I hope this isn’t a bad Omen”

The path underfoot was easy to walk, so we picked up the pace for the last 3 miles to Tyndrum, our halfway point for the day.

It was at this point my right knee really started to hurt and we had to slow the pace. (It was a bad omen) It was agony walking into Tyndrum. We did pass some stone carving to indicate the site of the Battle of Dalrugh.

Rod from the Glenardran House told us about the ‘Green Welly Stop’ in Tyndrum. It is a a petrol station come cafe come gift shop come outdoor shop. We arrived and dumped our packs on a bench; I left dad guarding them as I hobbled in. My mission was to get another days snacks, a knee support and a walking pole. (I had only packed one)

We ate our pack lunches watching all the bikers out on their weekend ride come and go, before tackling the last 7 miles to the Bridge of Orchy. The terrain was easy going and with a bit of practice I got the rhythm right with the two poles and my steps.

The route continued along side the railway until it met the Allt Kinglass where we followed the river into the Bridge of Orchy. My knee gave me little bother unless climbing over stiles or steep descents.

The views were spectacular and we took plenty of photo stops. My dad also got is own back for all the times as a child I said “Are we there yet?” Total bants.

We arrived at the our destination for the night and crossed the bridge to the wild camping spot. However I was unsure whether wild camping would be a wise option with my dicky bellie.

I went back up to the Bridge of Orchy Hotel to enquire if there were any vacancies; there was a twin room spare. After a conversation with dad, he insisted we stay as he didn’t want his sleep disturbed with me unzipping the tent to find a bush throughout the night. Also the bushes were too far of a distance to run to in an emergancy!

Only problem is, it stung the old purse strings; but they have the monopoly for this tiny hamlet. The price you pay for toilet facilities hey! As we booked in the rain started; we felt bittersweet as we watched the wild campers setting up their tents on the other side of the bridge.

We sat in the lounge while I updated the blog, watching through the window fellow walkers arriving into this little hamlet. Many like me, have the West Highland Strut! Some were wearing midge nets; seems we are getting more value for our money!

Dad was miffed when he went to the bar, as they don’t serve Guinness; the only thing that has kept him going for the last few days!

Tomorrow is the Kings House where we have booked into the bunk house, fingers crossed my stomach gets better.