West Highland Way: Inverarnan to Kingshouse

Day 28
Distance-43 km (1302)
Weather- all sorts
Highlights- West Highland Way, Kingshouse campsite
Lowlights- Group splitting/conflict
Accommodation- Kingshouse campsite

Woke to a sun bathed campsite, what a way to start the adventure along the West Highland Way. Spirits were high since we had all been looking forward to this section. We set off along the path, keen, with Tom in the lead. The path was nice for a while, loose gravel and then became rocky and then some gates, then more gates and finally styles. Those who mountain bike tour would know the last two things can become very frustrating especially if not designed for bikes. Well styles are impossible and you have to dismantle the bike and trailer. A far bit of effort was required to push and ride the loads of steep rocky hills and eventually Pete's knee started to twinge, then ache and finally become quite painful.

We parted ways a few miles before Tyndrum with Peter and Bridgette taking the road while Tom and Sarah continued along the West Highland Way. Hungry we took a b line to the Fish and chips shop which was apparently served award winning take away and wait for Tom and Sarah. The Stats for the morning were depressing, 17km, 5 hours, and many stops, we were all quite low.

A difficult decision was made to split the team with Tom and Sarah continuing through to Kings house via the West highland way and Peter and Bridgette by road. The road was spectacular as we climbed to bridge of Orchy then traversed the Moore land with peaks on either side. Across the Moores there were a few highland cows and white hours but otherwise it was quite a desolate place. A few speaks of rain but nothing dramatic. Late in the afternoon, off in the distance a group of fur trees were spotted a the base of a hill. There had been nothing for miles and there seem to be nothing for miles after, this had to be Kings house.

It was, thank goodness, since Peter's knee was about to drop off. Free camping but facilities. Who can complain, camped beside a river with a paddock of highland cows on the other side, several large peaks looming over the valley and the sun trying hard to shot through the clouds. We set up and then wait for the others. A little nervous that they might have problems but in they came by 6pm. Unfortunately Tom's trailer broke a few miles up the track so he quickly collect a few parts and went back to fetch it.

Yummy food and then off to the pub for a pint. There was a cocktail or climbers bar you can probably guess which we used. This was a cosy warm place with pics of local climbers taken at different spots around the world. Tom and Sarah joined us and so did our neighbor Owen. Lovely guy studying engineering, doing the Westhighland Way, alone in 3 days. Taught him a complicated card which he seamed to master and then beat us hands down. We all retired early to find a random wild deer wondering through the came site, oh the highlands!