we awoke to this
(what view across the glen))

the Kingshouse Hotel

in the morning sun

looking back at the hotel

& mountains beyond

at the foot of

the Devils Staircase
(the climb awaits us)

lunch at the pub

in Kinlochleven

the path down

to Kinlochleven

Tigh Na Cheo Guest House, Kinlochleven

The way started with a steady climb up the valley side from the hotel, the path then flattened out running across the valley side, before rejoining the road at the bottom of the Devil's staircase, that was the 3 along accomplished.

The 1 up was exactly as it sounds, a one mile steep ascent up the side of the valley and out of Glen Coe. A particularly steep series of zig-zags near the top is known as the "Devil's Staircase". A steady half an hour saw us to the top, we were now at the highest point of the WHW. The views stretched ahead of us in all directions, we could even see Ben Nevis in the distance.

The 5 down now took over, the path began with a pleasant meander down from the top with stunning views of the Blackwater Reservoir on your right. Turning the corner we could see Kinlochleven ahead of us in the valley below, what we didn't realise was that the track turned away at the old Alcan plant and wandered on through the trees for what seemed like forever. We eventually reached the valley floor to find the desolated aluminium factory.

It was now lunch time so we stopped at the pub for tea and sandwiches, before searching for our B&B. It was hidden half way up a hill on the opposite side of town. After spending the afternoon exploring the area we settled down to dine that evening at the local chippy (white pudding and fish suppers was the order of the day). This was followed by a few beers and a game of pool back in the pub opposite.

the climb begins

out of the valley

Nick & Tillo at

the summit of the climb

the view across to

the Blackwater Reservoir