the war memorial
at Kinlochleven

The first part of the route was the steep climb through the woods back up to the old military road. Up being the operative word, things were made even tougher by it being first thing in the morning and our legs were not truly warmed up. Once we reached the top, with Loch Leven and the town stretched out below us, we could rest and admire the view.

The route continued to climb steadily, until it peaked with the track disappearing into the distance both in front and behind you. More and more people were cresting the rise behind us, joining the route like ants heading for home. We were now in a hidden valley,no cars or trafic to disturb us, with peaks rising both sides. The path contiued passed a couple of ruined cottages, fording a series of mountain streams, until turning a corner we saw the Nevis Forest in the distance. Just before we exited this valley we stopped by a clear stream for lunch and to top up our water bottles.

The path then descended into the dark forest, nothing grew here apart from fir trees, oh and midges. The path undulated through the trees before climbing back up for another view of the mountains and Ben Nevis beyond. The WHW then re-enters the forest for the final series of ups and downs towards Fort William. After trudging through the gloom we finally appeared onto a forest track and headed down towards the main road and civilisation beyond. Once onto the road it's a 3 mile slog to the end.

The finishing line eventually appeared and we stopped for the compulsory photo, before heading into town, to find our B&B. Nobody told us it was up another steep hill, but once there we were welcomed with a cup of tea and biscuits.

During the final push into town we had decided that we'd climb Ben Nevis early tomorrow morning, so a taxi and breakfast was duly arranged. Dinner ( a Tex-Mex special) and beer that night were followed by a touch of the Gay Gordons at the Imperial Hotel, Dave really does know how to pull the ladies.

Loch Leven and the

mountains beyond

the path across the hidden

valley to Larigmor

we awoke to another beautiful

 day with a view to match

preparing ourselves for

the final push

the view back to

Kinlochleven from the top
of the climb

to Fort William

& the finish

Barry,Tony,Mike & Nigel

also finished
(in the rain)

Rhu Mhor Guest House,

Fort William

Mike,Dave,David & Nick

(group 2)
at the end of the
West Highland Way