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Day 66 Kingshouse to Kinlochleven

 

Another warm sunny day beckoned Garry to the hillsides. Shame he forgot his walking poles so a quick turnaround was needed, at least I experienced the stunning drive down Glencoe twice!

Garry started by walking from the Kingshouse hotel along the relatively flat path to Altnafeadh, where he turned abruptly north. There were a number of people congregating here, contemplating the upcoming ascent. 



He then ascended the Devil's Staircase , which was built and named by British soldiers working for General Wade during his road-building programme in the early 1700s. It does not have a staircase, but a boulder strewn rocky path with a steep ascent of 550 metres (1800 feet) with stunning views at the top.



Whilst Garry was working hard climbing, me and Alfie had stopped for an amble around Glencoe Visitor Centre, an eco-friendly visitor centre with an interesting turf house.



 
The descent for Garry was easier with views looking across to Ben Nevis, Blackwater reservoir and glimpses of Kinlochleven.

Along here, Garry met Katrina from York, who is walking John o'Groats to Land End. She offered useful advice about both Great Glen Way and the John o'Groats trail, the next two planned trails. 

Meanwhile, me and Alfie walked through Kinlochleven, admiring the gushing water travelling down into the valley. 

     

   
We then walked up from Kinlochleven, swatting away huge flies as we walked. We met Garry as he was descending down the stony forestry track (after we had climbed 840 feet).

A welcome drink in the Highland Getaway Inn with lovely views across the river and up to the mountains.

   

 Feel free to choose the best beer image, we couldn't decide!

Even though there were less miles, it was a gruelling climb of 1,370 feet today.


Tomorrow sees the last day of the West Highland Way as the walk continues form Kinlochleven into Fort William, where we are staying for a few days. We have a lovely view out over the loch, (well, it was lovely until it started raining!)









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