I do ache tonight. We had a wonderful walk today. Wonderful is the only word to use. We were full of wonder the moment we hit the track. We walked up to the Steall Falls outside of Fort William. Falls made famous with a brief appearance in one of the Harry Potter movies. - Who knew? I discovered the falls on line. I am glad I did. There seems to be not one printed document about them in any tourist office. When we wanted details the helpful worker in the office just logged on to the page I had found. And printed it out. She confirmed it was well worth it. We knew we were in on a little secret. |
I suspect Fort William is the busiest tiny town anywhere on earth. Hence zero accomodation anytime soon. This town is the end of the West Highland Way. 170 miles of walking track through the Scottish Highlands. It is home to an amazing array of outdoor sports. Downhill biking (also known by any sporting description that includes serious injury), Kayaking, Downhill Skiing, Running, Walking, Hiking. Today we could see officials working for runners, and cyclist in various events. It seemed like every fourth car had canoes on the roof. The place was surrounded by bikes and runners with event numbers on their clothing. It was busy.
Add to that all the walkers. The folks with massive back packs and tents. I think they plan to spend the next age sleeping under a waterfall in the Scottish outback. Then there is the greatest collection of older individuals in ActiveWear. I was so out of place. - Really out of place!
The weather was variable. That is it changed every 15 minutes. Soaking downpour then sparkling sunshine. Biting, bone chilling breeze then soft warm glow.
Into this environment we planned to walk.
The walk begins about 25 miles out of town. We followed the ever shrinking road. I was sure this place would be deserted. No one seemed to be heading this way at all. But we arrived to a full carpark. We gained a space only when someone left.
Lucky!
And we walked. We climbed. We scrambled. My Apple watched clocked the slowest kilometre I have ever made. 36min. We spent 2 hours to cover the 2 Km there and back.
I like to reserve the word Glee to describe a state you see in the eyes of a grandchild. Today I was more grandchild. Today I was gleeful for the whole 2 hours.
I took 200 photographs as you can guess. I slipped and skidded on wet rocks. I was soaked by rain and burned by sunshine. My toes were bent in angles they forgot 20 years ago. But I spent the afternoon rapt.
This was a wonderful place to walk.
Should you ever find yourself at the southern tip of Loch Ness this is a must walk. It is not easy. Like a good Australian walker I was encouraged not to see a warning of snakes on the track. The starting sign reads “Danger of Death” but no snakes.
So grab you favourite walking boots. Slap on the mozzie repellent (you will need it) and head off along the track to the Steall Falls. I’ll leave a selection of photos to whet your appetite.
We had a spectacular day today. Of course my body is not quite so sure. Still in shock I think. I’ll get better.
Add to that all the walkers. The folks with massive back packs and tents. I think they plan to spend the next age sleeping under a waterfall in the Scottish outback. Then there is the greatest collection of older individuals in ActiveWear. I was so out of place. - Really out of place!
The weather was variable. That is it changed every 15 minutes. Soaking downpour then sparkling sunshine. Biting, bone chilling breeze then soft warm glow.
Into this environment we planned to walk.
The walk begins about 25 miles out of town. We followed the ever shrinking road. I was sure this place would be deserted. No one seemed to be heading this way at all. But we arrived to a full carpark. We gained a space only when someone left.
Lucky!
And we walked. We climbed. We scrambled. My Apple watched clocked the slowest kilometre I have ever made. 36min. We spent 2 hours to cover the 2 Km there and back.
I like to reserve the word Glee to describe a state you see in the eyes of a grandchild. Today I was more grandchild. Today I was gleeful for the whole 2 hours.
I took 200 photographs as you can guess. I slipped and skidded on wet rocks. I was soaked by rain and burned by sunshine. My toes were bent in angles they forgot 20 years ago. But I spent the afternoon rapt.
This was a wonderful place to walk.
Should you ever find yourself at the southern tip of Loch Ness this is a must walk. It is not easy. Like a good Australian walker I was encouraged not to see a warning of snakes on the track. The starting sign reads “Danger of Death” but no snakes.
So grab you favourite walking boots. Slap on the mozzie repellent (you will need it) and head off along the track to the Steall Falls. I’ll leave a selection of photos to whet your appetite.
We had a spectacular day today. Of course my body is not quite so sure. Still in shock I think. I’ll get better.