Day 6/6 The West Highland Way 152km - Kinlochleven to Fort William - 26 Mar 2009

Finally, it's ending soon! While leaving Kinlochleven, I got lost for about 30 min. Read the guide book wrongly and took a false non-WHW track up to some waterfall. Blamed myself terribly! It was a great waste of time and effort climbing up and down steep slopes with running water. Stupid stupid stupid!

Eventually I realised my blunder and set off officially at 0745. Reason for leaving so early was to catch the 2.15pm bus from Fort William back to Glasgow that day. There were no trains in the late afternoon, hence catching that crucial bus was my only option.


The beginning terrain was unforgiving. It made me lose my motivation completely! It was a tough and long sustained 250m climb out of Kinlochleven on a steep winding trail through birch trees. I paused several times to catch my breath and rest my injured leg. The thought of getting a bus straight to Fort William was so real and I nearly turned back down several times. But then, there was an inner voice that kept reminding and encouraging me to push on to the end! It was just 1 last leg, why couldn't I endure the pain and finish the entire Way with pride? Lots of struggle physically and mentally to get to the top, which I finally did! Phew! Now the temptation to return back to the village had disappeared. I would have to endure to the end no matter what circumstances I faced!



The Way proceeded on a wide track - old military road - which traversed the mountain side with glorious views over Loch Leven to the mountains of Glencoe. From there, the trail rose gently through a wide U-shaped valley to a broad pass - the Lairigmor (330m). I was walking really fast today, surprised. I guessed it was the desire to end the whole walk as soon as possible. My leg still hurt but the pain had become less intense and bearable. I would say it had become numb.



Weather was sunny in the first hour. However, Scotland's everchanging weather turned bad - started pouring heavily, very strong wind, then HAILING! Oh my! My thermometer read 7 degrees celsius! Unbelievable! The wind was blowing against my face and hence the ice cubes were hitting straight onto me. Very painful! I had to use my arms to shield my face from the irritating hailstones.

The Way then descended to a junction where there was the option of taking a short cut by the road all the way to Fort William. The original/ proper Way looked rather unappealing from the climb up through the dense conifer plantation. Hence I kind of cheated and took the easier route. However I realised the easier route was not as simple as what I thought. Northern Scotland's roads were never flat. They went up and down, up and down steeply. I guessed that was due to the mountains-infested land...Haaa!



A seemingly long 5-hour limp eventually took me to THE END - Fort William! Rain welcomed me - all drenched. It cleared up after some time. Had a picture with the 'End of WHW' signboard. That was very important and the completion meant a lot to me! This long distance walk was more of a challenge than an pleasant stroll. It tested my limits and endurance level! I did it! I did it! I did it!





While waiting for the bus back to Glasgow, I did a bit of shopping around and bought 'Turtie' - Nici soft toy for Faith. Heex. :) Lunch next. The cost of the bus fare shocked me. 19.60pounds! Fortunately I had enough cash with me then. The bus ride took a total of 3.5 hours. This 3.5 hour ride was very nostalgic and emotional. It passed through the places where I had trekked in all the 6 days. 3.5 hours VS 6 days! What a difference! I missed home now, couldn't wait to get back. Hopped onto the train back to Newcastle, changing at Edinburgh. Mama (Faith) was at the train station to receive me! :) :) :)