Glencoe Mountain Resort to Kinlochleven, 12 Miles

If we had to describe today in a single word, it would be “WET”. A close second would be ”WINDY”.

The conditions today reminded Bob of Al Roker‘s coverage of Hurricane Ida. If you need a reminder, just google it.

We set out a bit late today, as our breakfast option opened its doors 20 mins late and it was a relatively short day distance-wise. The rain was going to catch us no matter when we started, so it was really no big deal. So after a Full Scottish Breakfast with haggis, we set off on the trail.

Today’s walk continued on the same military road we followed yesterday. But instead of following the fairly flat moor like yesterday, the road took us over the highest point on the West Highland Way, called The Devil’s Staircase. There was a fair amount of hype amongst fellow walkers leading up to today’s walk, probably due to the name itself. Although the horizontal rain was unpleasant, we found that the trail itself was not technically challenging.

If you zoom in on this photo, you can see walkers traversing the switchbacks all the way to the top of Devil’s Staircase. (Look for the neon colored dots, which are people’s waterproof backpack covers)

The Devil's Staircase was given its name by the soldiers who built the military road in the 1700’s, although the footpath existed long before that. Our guidebook says it’s a mystery why the general who built the road didn’t build through the valley instead of the pass, which would have eventually led to the same place.

The rain would occasionally stop and the clouds would break, showing us how beautiful today actually could be. Alas, it was always short lived.

At one point, Bob decided the rain was “invigorating”. While I appreciated his upbeat attitude, I definitely did not share his outlook

‘What hump?’

We flew through the 12 miles today. No stopping for lunch, no chatting on the trail, not even a pit stop. We made it to Kinlochleven shortly after 1. Although our inn-keeper scoffed at how terribly early we had arrived, he kindly let us check in so we could get out of our waterproofs.

Our B&B

We did a bit of pub hopping this afternoon, (It was easy… there’s only 2) and caught up with fellow walkers. It was great fun mingling with people and talking about the walk.

Another example of a well behaved dog in a pub. Her name is Smudge and all the locals knew her.

Our self-guided Scotch tour is going very well. The more difficult it is to pronounce, the better it usually tastes.

Spotted Dick with Carmel and Custard for dessert. Stop laughing… it was delicious.

We caught up with Ditte from Belgium again today (world traveler). We learned today that she’s visited 47 countries. She’s our new hero!

Just one more night on the trail and we’re finished! Unfortunately there’s more rain forecasted tomorrow. We’ve been told that it just wouldn’t be a proper Scottish walk without some pounding rain. After today, we’d say there’s no question that it’s been a proper Scottish walk.

Pics will be uploaded shortly.

Good night!