With a windy forecast for the mountain tops we opted for a ‘rest’ day. For reasons that currently escape me as I sit post walk with mighty sair feet, we decided to take the bus to the Glencoe Mountain Resort and hoof it back to Tyndrum, stopping for refreshment at Bridge of Orchy. Don’t get me wrong, it was a beautiful day, the scenery was spectacular and it was worth the effort!
Stage 1: Stagecoach to Glencoe
The easiest leg of the journey, we caught the bus at 08:30 from Tyndrum. Bruce’s free travel was subsided by my £12-20 fare, and within half an hour we were deposited at the roadside by the Glencoe Mountain Resort. After stopping to allow Bruce to take his usual cracking photos (featured throughout), we headed up to the café for coffee and breakfast baps to get us going.
On the Way
Leaving Glencoe behind we set off in the opposite direction to the majority of West Highland Way walkers. This was easy walking and we enjoyed the views as we went.
Bruce enjoyed playing ‘name the hill’ while I was my usual self in this regard (in other words, not a clue)!
My eye was caught by other things, such as this solitary tree that I made Bruce stop to photograph for me.
We made our way steadily towards Inveroran, following along the old road. There were quite a few walkers headed towards Kingshouse, some of whom we chatted to briefly, others just a quick ‘good morning’ in passing, logic telling us we’d take a very long time to go anywhere if we engaged in chat with everyone going the opposite direction.
The weather was amazing again. It’s hard to believe how much blue sky we’ve had this week! Rannoch Moor was beautiful, a far cry from the first time we walked it, unable to see more than twenty metres or so with gusting wind and rain blowing sideways.
We chatted more to other walkers as we made our way towards Bridge of Orchy. I was very envious of those that were headed for Inveroran. Although we’d stopped to buy an ice cream at the shop it’s not quite the same as staying there. Inveroran is my favourite hotel on the Way with amazing food!
We, however, were headed for the Bridge of Orchy Hotel where Bruce was looking forward to a club sandwich. We enjoyed a rest here and, unbeknownst to Bruce, I Googled bus and train times. Sadly both services are infrequent and it was apparent that we’d be quicker walking so we set off once more.
Bridge of Orchy to Tyndrum
With less enthusiasm than when I left Glencoe, we set off up the hill towards the station. The path back to Tyndrum is pretty boring, long and straight so it feels like you’re not making much progress. We broke this into chunks, aiming to get to certain points, such as the bend in the path. The sun was shining fiercely and although we’d reapplied sun cream after our late lunch I could feel my face very hot. I put my sunhat on and moaned about feeling too warm. Usually a positive person, this afternoon I really was a little ray of sunshine!
Bruce tried hard to keep my spirits up and I’m sure was mighty relieved when we met and got chatting to a guy coming off one of the hills.
As we said our goodbyes and wished him well I realised I’d missed a trick. His car was closer than Tyndrum and he was driving past it to go home. Too late, we continued onwards.
Finally we were headed down into Tyndrum. A passing train consisting of an old diesel engine, lots of empty carriages, a Caledonian Sleeper carriage, and two steam trains made me happy again.
I was even happier when we reached the main road and only had to walk across it to get home. Happy to be back.
Clare, happiest outdoors! 