Glen Coe to Kinlochleven 14.5 miles

I did not sleep well, the bed was very lumpy and uncomfortable. So far, Kingshouse has been a big disappointment, and it didn't get any better when we went for breakfast. The best thing about breakfast was the view, the breakfast average at best, the square sausage was very overdone and the scrambled egg was underdone. Kingshouse looks good in the brochure but the reality falls far short of the promise. I wasn't sorry to leave.

It was raining slightly as we set off but according to the forecast it would soon clear, and it did. Today we would have a long steep climb up the devil's staircase, the name conjures up a nightmarish scenario but in fact the climb was a lot easier than folk might imagine. The switchbacks take the sting out of the climb, and like all ascents you just have to go at a steady comfortable pace that suits you and never mind what anyone else is doing. It felt like we reached the cairn at the top in no time at all.

The descent on the other side of the hill was not quite as steep and it levelled out before rising steadily, before beginning a long winding descent. One more hill later I got my first glimpse of Kinlochleven in the distance. The journey down was longer and steeper than I thought it would be and I had to zig zag across the wide flat path to ease the strain on my knees. However, I soon arrived in the village and saw our lodging for the night just in front of me. I had done my usual of leaving everyone behind and so I arrived well before the check in time. However, the staff were great, super helpful and got me into our room right away. Once I dumped my bag I went out for a wander round and walked back towards the trail to see if the others were coming and before long Kathleen arrived with Meg and Chris not far behind.

whilst the oldies had their afternoon nap, I wandered around the village taking some photos and then went to the CO-OP for some supplies for tomorrow.

Dinner was ok but not great, as soon as we were finished we all went back to our rooms for an early night, tomorrow we start with a very steep ascent.Leia mais