Day 1/5 East Highland Way 125km - Fort William to Achluachrach - 25 Sep 2011

28.5km, took 7 hours

A full English breakfast awaited me in the morning at the guest house. Set off, 'all ready to go!', from Fort William's Gordon Square. A highly-urban walk out of the town. As time passed, the number of vehicles reduced. A good sign - I'm approaching the countryside. I was rewarded with fine views of Ben Nevis to my right - the highest mountain in the UK. It was a pity the visibility was not perfect due to the on-and-off drizzle.













The way followed a section of the Witch's Trails - no idea why this name, but it was just a never-ending forest track to me. The track narrowed, making the walk slightly more interesting.










The better part of the day's walk was the open stretch approaching Spean Bridge. Great views of the surrounding hills kept my morale high and pushed me on despite some exhausion. I took the longer alternative route - via the forest trail, ascending about 100m high before descending to Spean Bridge. I didn't drop by Spean Bridge as I rather skipped the short detour than having a proper lunch rest there. I snacked on titbits as I made my way through some farmlands, with River Spean running parallel. Drizzle picked up and the paths were becoming muddy. Saw 2 rainbows today though. :)










































Upon emerging from the forest, the rain grew heavier and the wind picked up - I was walking just below the rolling hills..that's why! I was totally drenched from the rain, but thx to my waterproofs! The views were dramatic - would be perfect on a sunny day, too bad the raindrops were too heavy for my camera. Hiaz... My left leg was hurting - boots pressing on my bone above my ankle. I told myself: Push on! The route got more remote and seemed to be steering away from the River Spean. Didn't seem right.. Shit! I think I'm lost.. and in the horrible weather! I was cold, very drenched, leg hurting... To add on, the route got SUPER muddy. I didn't care to avoid the mud any more. My boots splashed and sank into the muddy tracks. "Mmm...don't make sense - I flew so far to the UK to experience this kind of torture, I think I'm mad!"









Ah!! I saw a farm! Maybe I was on track all the while. Scared myself! Phew! Yes, I didn't get lost! I crossed over a suspension bridge over the stunning Monessie gorge. The bridge was indeed suspended: It shook with every small step I took. Really scary!










I dragged my hurting legs to Glenspean Lodge in the rain, and was not expecting the unexpected: The staff said that I was only booked in for tomorrow, and tonight was already fully booked. What??!!??? He re-checked the emails which I sent to him, and fortunately, there was evidence of my booking for tonight. He managed to give me a double room. Like that also can...!!!




Dinner: Deer meat with haggis with Scotland's darkbeer "BEST". Shiok! Tomorrow will be a short day - hopefully there's some time for recovery.