Rest Day in Fort William
I knew I was going to like the West Highland Way and it really was a beauty. Great scenery, lots of walkers and new friends. Everything a path should be.
I stayed in Fort William today for a little rest but really, when the weather is fine, you want to make progress, especially when there’s little else to do. You can see the remains of an old fort with the two canons ready to repel invaders or you can find some shade for a little reading.
The Great Glen Way starts tomorrow and gets me up to Inverness on Tuesday. It all began 400 million years ago when a fault ripped through Scotland dragging the two halves over 100km apart. Glaciers moved in during the ice age, deepening the fault and then, when they melted, the fault line flooded creating Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness. In more recent times they were linked by the Caledonian canal, finally cutting Scotland in two.
The Great Glen Way mostly follows these lochs all the way to Inverness. Loch Ness will be interesting but I doubt I’ll see the monster. There’s little doubt that it existed at some point because it was photographed in 1934 by RK Wilson, the Harley Street consultant. However, it’s been quiet for awhile so it must have died. Unless there’s a family of them. I’ll be watching.
Pilgrimage 
Hi Tim,
The starts and finishes of all these ‘Ways’ look pretty easy! What I want to know is how many start and how many finish?
Do you have to sign in and out?
Hi Suzi, no one really knows. There’s no record keeping. I’ve seen all sorts of numbers for the West Highland Way but fewer people walk the whole route than those who walk one or two stages. Surprisingly, the numbers seem to be down this year according to one B&B. I guess there’s usually a lot of walkers from overseas. But it’s clear that the WHW is a popular one
You certainly chose the right year to do this. V envious of your blue skies. Cold and grey here – seemingly permanently. Bonne route!
Thanks Mary, it’s quite unbelievable weather.
I’ll be waiting for you to slip, wee laddie.
Just a quick snap, please…