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Morar, Loch Morar, Glen Pean, Glenfinnan,
Callop, Cona Glen, Corran Ferry,
Gleann Righ, Glen Nevis, Fort
William, Scotland. Extract from an old diary.
(5 day back-pack)
Sat 22 Jan - Wed 26 Jan 1983 |
The end of our backpacking trip was in sight so with less than a
day's walk in front of us we packed up rather leisurely but as
soon as we hit the forestry track the pace increased
considerably. The mild weather continued so it wasn't long
before we all took a layer off. Thanks to the fast pace we were
soon at the end of the track with the next part of our route in
front a squelchy looking expanse of Glen which we'd have to
traverse for a mile and a half to reach the next track. Just
after we climbed the fence to leave the forest area the rain
started, so waterproofed up we set off.
Although no path
was shown on the map I managed to discern a faint path of sorts
which followed the north bank of the burne. When the loch came
into view we were faced with a horribly wet bog to cross but as
my feet were completely sodden it hardly made any difference to
me. Once across we were on sloping and dryer ground then onto a
rough track which improved to a semi metalled road as we
approached the farmstead Lundavra on the banks of Lochan Lunn Da
Bhara.
Through the farmyard we were on tarmac for the
next mile till we joined the line of the old military road which
runs from Kinlochleven to Fort William. It would have been an
easy end to our journey but we decided to see a bit more of the
countryside and cross over the road to the path which runs to
Glen Nevis. The path also forms the last bit of the West
Highland Way walk and I walked it earlier last year. Although
not marked on my edition of the 1:50,000 map I had with me I
wasn't bothered about route finding as it was fairly well
marked. It was however no easy stroll as it was last time. The
wet going made life strenuous but we were soon up above the
trees and crossing some open ground before heading into a large
area of plantation which stretched all the way to Dun Deardaill
till we met up with the forest. After a short steep descent we
found ourselves at the forestry road which we followed down to
the Glen Nevis Road a little east of Fort William.
The
last mile or so into the town was a bit painful on Dean's feet,
Charlie has also had sore foot problems but surprisingly I
haven't had any. They reckon it started the first day out with
their feet getting too hot, I think mine we're ok because they
were wet practically all the way so never got hot and sweaty.
On reaching the car at the southern end of the town I changed
into dry footwear (heaven) then reported our safe return at the
police station, we then moved to the comforts of the cafe in
Nevis Sport where we idly drank tea and perused the magnificent
display of books. It was still only early afternoon so we
decided to move to another area to do some further walking.
Looking at the map Torridon area looked interesting and as we
hadn't been there before that was where we decided to head next. |
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