Walks on The West Highland Way

West Highland Way

26 October 2003

The plan for the third day of the walk was up over the Mamores, down onto the West Highland Way and back to Fort William, but due to the state of Claire’s feet I amended this plan.   In fact it was a surprise to me that Claire was prepared to walk again on Sunday after the pain she endured the previous day.   So we set off from the ladies’ accommodation, crossed Glen Nevis and walked south on the West Highland Way.   Claire was wearing her runners, Irish equivalent of trainers, and found the going a lot easier. 

We climbed up the track and on negotiating a bend I saw spray rising from Gwen and the perfume perforated my nostrils.   She told me that she had sprayed deodorant because she was sweating but I think she was hoping that today she would meet a “man in a skirt”.   She had been searching for him since arriving in Scotland but without success.   Unfortunately she wasn’t successful in her quest on the West Highland Way either, as all we saw were a few backpackers heading for Fort William, none of whom were dressed in kilts and none were good looking, according to Gwen.   During our walk south Gwen’s phone kept ringing as she received text messages from home giving her the Irish Rugby score from the World Cup in Australia so she was very happy when she got the final result.  

We continued south on undulating terrain passing through a lot of forest but we also crossed open hillside where sheep were grazing.   Vera felt at home here as I was told that back home she can be seen rounding up the sheep for her father using her car. 

On approaching Lairigmor we had reached the required distance and stopped for lunch.   This was interrupted by the local farmer and his wife who stopped for a chat.   Once fed we returned by the outward route and a pleasant stroll in a nice autumnal afternoon.   We managed to get back to Achintee before dark, even with the clocks going back. 

• For first day of walk see walks on Ben Nevis.

• For second day of walk see walks in The Mamores

• For fourth day of walk see walks in Great Glen Way.