Jo Journeys The World.: Walking the West Highland Way

Day 5

Friday 29th April 2016. I can't leave my warm little pod this morning. It was so cozy and with the heater on was the first warm nights sleep I've had since starting on Monday. I now have dry clothes again too.

I knew I needed to get going if I was going to get anywhere today. It was nearly 11am before I left Tyndrum. Already missed a good 3 hours of walking.

Although by now the sun had managed to melt a lot of the snow and slush on the ground. Following the train tracks, it was a bit of a climb up the valley out of Tyndrum. Then the path went up alongside the mountain. The scenery was great with some snow still lying higher up on the mountains. Just a pity about the traffic noise coming from the road that runs along the other side of the rail tracks.

Marched on as I was conscious of not having the time to waste today due to the late start. Got to the Bridge of Orchy Hotel for lunch. It was nice to sit down inside, my feet still feel like they are on fire when I walk.

Forced myself out to continue on. I had got a little too comfortable in the pub. Outside a group of guys on mountain bikes had just pulled in for their lunch.

Crossed over the actual Bridge of Orchy and started the steady climb up over the hill. Cool views of the surrounding hills covered in snow from half way up. Just as I had reached the very top viewpoint, I could see the guys on bikes coming up the trail just behind me. A little jealous at how much faster they were going on their bikes, compared to my slow plodding.

Took a couple of group photos for them and chatted a bit before we all started off down the hill. Their whoops and yeehaas definitely made it sound like they were having 100% more fun going down the mountain than I was having.

Stopped again for a cuppa tea and slice of carrot cake at Inveroran Hotel. I didn't have the time really to stop again, but it was tough going today due to feet pain issues.

It was now late afternoon by this stage and I still had to cross Rannoch Moor. Chatted to an elderly couple who were staying in their camper van but out for a walk. Watched a heard of dear and the birds in the distance, while the man told me how the areas bird population had changed over the many years they had been coming to visit this same place.

Headed on and marched my way across the moor. I was the only person on the path. It was very desolate. Further on though it was beautiful looking around at the views. Every direction was the perfect photo opportunity.

Had to restrict myself from talking a million photos as the sun was now sinking lower in the sky and I wanted to make it round to Glencoe ski centre, where they had a small area to pitch tents beside the car park, before it got dark.

Met a couple of guys coming up from Glencoe just as I began to descend. They were running the WHW. Yes running. Nutters.

Just arrived and got the tent up in time to watch the sunset. Glad to be stopped. Ate my bag of expedition food for tea and put on a few extra layers, socks, hat and down jacket to go to bed in, preparing myself for another chilly night.

20 minutes later I got up again after already starting to feel the cold. I had had a great idea. I took the sealable foil bag my dinner was in (boiling water is added to the contents, the bag sealed and left for 10 minutes, before being rehydrated and ready to eat) washed it out in the sink of the toilets and filled it up from the hot water tap.

Got back into my tent with my hot water bottle and felt slightly more cozy now.

Genius.