Date: 31st July to 3rd August
The Plan:
Set off from Crewe 9am 31st July
Walk 1st August
Walk 2nd August
Travel back to Crewe 3rd August
Actual:
Set off from Crewe 9am 31st July
Walk the West Highland Way 1st August
Walk Ben Nevis 2nd August
Travel back to Crewe 3rd August
Weather: Rain and Rain, but luckily was dry on 2nd of August - perfect planning courtesy of Martin's IPhone.
Team: Rob, Allen, Kirsty, Martin and Me
Rob came and picked us up on 31st July bang on time. We loaded up the Corsa to the roof and were most glad we'd decided to take 2 cars for the 5 of us, rather than trying to squash into one car.
We met Martin at Lymm services where Kirsty and I moved into Martin's car (with baggage) and the convoy set off.
The planned journey was to have 2 stops on the way up to Fort William. The first stop was meant to be at Tebay services (as recommended by Rob). We missed them, so ended up at the next one along which quite frankly was stinky, but had a burger king.
The next stop was Loch Lomond visitor centre. Very nice, but blinkin cold.
Then we found the B&B. Myrtle Bank guest house. It overlooked Lake Linnhe and the Sat Nav took us straight there. We checked in, argued over the rooms - the girls winning the bigger room, and relaxed a bit.
That evening, we wandered into Fort William and met up with Carol (Kirsty's mum) and Kevin, who had scouted the area for suitable nosh establishment. Food consumed, concerns over people going to the toilet for too long and a few drinks later and we're back in the B&B playing cards. Allen has grasped the idea of Cheat and actually won a game.
Rob had received a GPS (ETrek I think) for his birthday, so there was endless checking and comparing to Allen's.
The next day we had planned to do Ben Nevis, but after checking the weather, it was decided to delay Ben Nevis to the drier of the 2 walking days. Rob had come prepared with one of the long distance walks he wants to do. The last section of the West Highland Way finishes in Fort William and we had seen the sign for the finish point as we walked from our B&B into Fort William. Rob informed us during the planning stages that it was 9 miles. At breakfast, this increased to 14 miles.
The walk started a bit of a drive away, so Martin found his way to the 'Aluminium Story' and left his car as we all followed the signs back to Fort William. Rob managed to have his photo taken in front of a boat called 'Bobby's Girl'.
The weather was a bit drizzly and as per usual I was debating whether to go for full on waterproofs or not. We were lucky as most of the walk was dry ish - but when it rained, it properly tipped it down. The waterproofs held out, but I got so hot wearing them.
The walk was undulating and although there were steep bits, they didn't seem to last for long. The views were stunning and the path was very open causing me concern over where I would be able to relieve myself.
Kirsty and I found a spot (suitable for a comfort break) a few hours in and we weren't quite quick enough making the decision as 2 girls came around the corner. I swear they stood there pretending to look at a map just to be annoying. They could clearly see what we were doing at enough distance to stop and wait, but no, they had to come to within 4 feet and stop to look. I have now given in with trying to be dignified and subtle.
The paths carried on up through woodland, following a river, and along a military road. Lunch was taken at the half way point, where a suitable log was found for perching. Our B&B had provided packed lunches (at a cost of £5) and these were consumed. I think they were worth around £2.50, but it had saved us some time and hassle that morning and worth a try.
The last 2 miles of the route were tough for me. My feet started hurting. I'd decided to not put any plasters on the feet this time to see if I still get blisters. I had checked my feet at lunchtime and had no issues. I didn't think I had any blisters (turns out I didn't either), but my feet were just aching from pounding along the road.
The last section was along the road and I think I'd started to wind down thinking I was close to the end.
At 14 miles, we reached a sign post informing us that the end had been moved. I was set up that the 14 miles was to the point we'd seen the previous night in Fort William. The 14 miles was to this point, 2 miles from the end and more to the point, 2 miles and a bit from our B&B. That last stretch dragged. I wasn't drying out from the rain either.
I'd tried sterilising my bladder pack as it looked like it was going a bit murky, and still could taste the Milton. Amazing since it claims you can't.
Not a happy bunny. We got back to the B&B, had a rest, showered and off out for dinner. We ate at the Ben Nevis. I had sausage and mash and it wasn't the best, but I was starving.
The plan for the next day was Ben Nevis. Breakfast for 8, out for 9 to Morrison's to purchase lunch for under a fiver. We all achieved this.
Carol and Kevin met us in the car park at the bottom of Ben Nevis and walked with us over the wobbly bridge up a section of the path. We parted at a stile and headed off. I had this time put one Compeed over my usual blister spot just in case as was a bit pink from the previous day.
The route up seemed to go OK for me. I felt I was still slower than the others, but there were only a few bits near edges and the path was quite even. We had a few rest stops on the way (which gave me a chance to catch up) and made it to the summit in 4 hours.
Photos, and lunch and toilet time was dealt with and we set off down the hill. I slipped and jarred my knee about half an hour down and it didn't hurt at that point, but just seemed to gradually get worse. This slowed me down even more than usual.
I had hoped to keep to the timing estimated by Allen, but I just couldn't go any faster. My left leg hurt when I tried to bend it, and my feet had swollen up so my toes felt like they were being crushed. I didn't have any blisters but my middle (and longer) toe was sore at the end. My knee ached a bit later that evening, but recovered fully by the next morning, so I hadn't done any real damage.
We did get to the bottom just before the rain set in and dark fell. The rush to get to the B&B, showered and out for dinner was on. We managed it in the time slot planned and were in the pub for 8.30pm.
One day I hope to be able to keep up. I just keep wondering how many years of walking will it take...
The meal at the Crofters (I think) was so much better. I couldn't manage my chips as the combo starter was sooo good and soooo generous.
Bed that night was heaven. I slept soundly. The next morning was the travel home day.
We got up, wandered around Fort William a bit. I purchased T-Shirt and a fleece (I had dodgy Scottish money to dispose of) and then we set off home.
We managed to hit Tebay services this time. Flipping expensive - no burger king either, but very pretty.
I slept most of the way home, and still managed to sleep soundly that night.
