Kinlochleven

We were blessed yesterday with the weather, however we are paying for it today. It has been by far the worst conditions on the trip to this point.

We had breakfast in the lounge bar, where the night before we watched the deer through the windows. Once eaten we collected our packed lunches from reception then returned to our bunk. We put back on our waterproofs and set out into the rain.

There was a strong head wind and it was driving the rain into our faces. We had our heads down to shelter ourselves which caused us to almost miss a turning in the path.

We looked back to get our last glimpse of the Kings House before it disappeared into the rain. It really felt as if we were walking through a stormcloud.

The path picked back up to the old military road and remained fairly flat for 3 miles before it started the incline to the foot of the Devil’s Staircase. The rain hadn’t let up one bit. Soon we caught sight of it.

Dad had been a little apprehensive about this stage, but now having seen it up close, the zig zag section on the ascent of Skiddaw is worse. We took our time climbing and making a few stops.

It didn’t take us long to get to the top. It certainly got our hearts pumping but to be honest, I don’t know what all the fuss is about; the horizontal rain presented the greater challenge; it seems over hyped. It is a shame the views were obscured by the weather. I reckon it would be spectacular looking back down the valley on a clear day.

Dad found it hard due to conditions underfoot and his feet being sore having had to negotiate the cobble like old military road leading up to the staircase.

From here it was four miles to Kinlochleven, if it wasn’t for the driving rain, it would have been a nice walk.

We didn’t take many photographs on this section as it was far too wet, with the rain hampering the touch screens on our phones. The path descended into a gully across as small wooden bridge, where we managed to get some respite from the elements to have a snack.

We were soon back into the Scottish jet wash until the last two miles were it let up slightly. We passed a hydroelectric plant on the way in. Huge pipes carrying the water, stretched the length of the valley into the town.

Some of the pipes had a leak at the joints. The pipes eventually went into a victorian looking industrial building where opposite is our campsite for the night.

After setting up the tent we had our packed lunches and assessed how wet our clothing is. My waterproof trousers didn’t cut it, around the tops of my legs are wet, my top was wet, but that is likely through perspiration with a jacket that doesn’t breath. (I know, not a nice image or smell) My boots also feel a little damp so either the Scottish jet wash beat the gortex or it got in via my gaiters.

Dad was feeling smug as his old army jacket held up. The only place the rain got in was around the pockets to his Regatta waterproof trousers.

However the campsite has a drying room! We got changed and went into the village to find a pub. There is hardly anyone about and only one pub out of the three is open! It has a deserted vibe to the village; it feels odd.

It had to be the one furthest away aswell, but without our packs we felt like we were floating to the pub. We settled on table next to the balcony with views of the Loch Leven. Dad now content with a pint of Guinness.

Today has been a very short distance of 8 miles, only hampered by the weather. Tomorrow is the last 15 miles into Fort William. The forecast doesn’t look any better.

Despite all the hell of day three, the weather not playing ball and the injuries we picked up on the way. It sad that tomorrow is our last day on the WHW, we have enjoyed the challenge so far.