The final day of our challenge - Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis Summit and back 

GPS 114.8 miles

Well the last day has arrived and we must concour the mighty Ben Nevis to compete our challenge for Cancer Research.

We start the day by meeting our friends Andy and Jannine. We were so greatful  for their company it made the climb bearable after 104 miles our legs were tired and they helped raise our spirts to finish.

We started out at the Ben Nevis carpark  with the weather dry but we could see that the top of the mountain was shrouded in cloud and there was no hope of a clear day. At low level we had some views.

 It was not long before it started to rain and the waterproof coats were in action. This of course made us sweat as the only way is up.

The pathways still very busy even though the weather was not brilliant.

We reached a water fall approx halfway up and already we were feeling the effects of the long walk over the last week and it was becoming hard work. 

This was not helped by the fact we are only half way and we reach the cloud base. From here it is a hard relentless slog. But we did have a small window of opportunity just before we hit the clouds for a photo.

Yes only halfway and we are pretty high.

We just keep climbing with little visability.

The temperature was dropping rapidly and the walkers coming down all looked very cold. We eventually saw a snow drift -it's almost August!.

And soon reached the highest War memorial in Britain

We know it's not far now and the summit is soon to appear in the mist out of nowhere.  We Have Done It!!

At this point there is no one in Britain above us. We are at 4,406 ft.

With a wind chill of -5 pouring rain and strong gusts it was not a place to linger so after only 10 mins at the summit  we start our descent.

Now if anyone tells you it's easier coming down please slap them, as we descended our knees  (not Kirsty's) really started to complain and we knew this challenge had taken a lot out of us. Every step seemed a tough one by the time we were halfway down but the clouds had lifted slightly since our ascent and some good views were to be had so a few pics were taken.

 As we dropped down Kirsty eventually removed her bobble hat that made an appearance as we left the summit dueto the   cold.

The sun was now shining and we made our way to the end made better with some stunning scenery.

It's was with relief that the walk was almost finished and we were ready for our complimentary  drinks from one of our most generous sponsors Andy Griffin. Cheers Andy.

All that was left was the short walk along the river to the visitor center and it was a pleasant change to walk on the flat.

We must thank Andy and Jannine for making the end of our challenge so enjoyable 

We have finished tired and worn out but this has been an amazing journey- lots of fun and laughter along the way with some highs and no low to speak off. We have got very wet at times. But the sense of achievement is incredible Also spending time together as a family can not be beaten. But most of all we have raised a huge amount of money for Cancer Research, thanks to all our fantastic supporters. I shall post the totally when all money is in but it's over £4,000 pounds THANK YOU EVERYONE.

West Highland Way day 7

Kinlockleven to Fort William 

GPS 104.8 miles

We leave our B&B it may be the furthest away from the way in the village but was worth it, a fabulous stay and the most incredible selection for breakfast. We cross the river to get back to the trail.

 Once back to the route it's almost instantly uphill through a forest but more like midge central. The weather is light rain and wearing coats up steep gradients makes you sweat! Wiping the perspiration from my brow and I get a hand full of midges yuk!!!. Towards the top and the gradient eases.

There are a few clearings and we can look down the valley as the weather begins to improve.

We leave the forest and head across Lairigmoor, an old military road. 

After very heavy rain last night there was lots of water around with many waterfalls in full flow.

Also lots of streams flowing across the path.

The rain is on and off but the cloud lifted enough to make this a pleasant walk as we walked for miles along the old road.

The path for the last few miles offers fine views to Ben Nevis but the top section, no idea how much, was shrouded in cloud. It still looked a tough challenge for tomorrow.. 

Once we descend a long track we hit the road at Glen Nevis, we know we only have 4.5 miles to go. We pass tonight's accommodation and think, boy we have to walk back.

Now some bright spark had the idea of moving the end of the West Highland Way to the other end of town - this was the original end.

Here we popped into the visitor centre and collected our completion certificates 

To reach the new end of the way you now have to walk another mile along the high street to the sculpture at Gordon Square.

Yes we made it!

We had an amazing end to our West Highland Way when we were greeted by our friends, that we met on our previous charity walk the C2C, Andy and Jannine with the poster they made.Thanks Andy and Janine for making the end special.

We had generous donations from other walkers plus Andy and Janine, who we shall join for a drink and food later.

We are celebrating completing the WHW and it's been another amazing walk but unlike most walkers where this is the end we have the daunting prospect of climbing Ben Nevis tomorrow. Ben Nevis the highest mountain in GB is a long climb and a good challenge normally but the 100 miles walking has left our legs tired and just adds to the difficulty tomorrow..

Thanks for reading and we are now confident with donations we have collected on route and sponsorship yet to be paid we shall pass the £4,000 we are incredibly honoured to have so many generous supporters thank you.

West Highland Way - Day 6

Kingshouse to Kinlockleven - GPS 87.6miles

We woke up to this view from our bedroom this morning.

We had hoped to see more deer this morning but we're disappointed. We start off heading west on a track towards the impressive Buachaille Etive Mor which stands guard to Glen Coe.

This path soon gained a little only a little height but was uneven with stunning views to the Glen Coe range.

With the path being fairly level we make the most of it as we are soon to head up the 'Devils Staircase- even the name sounds terrifying! The Devils Staircase is part of an old military passage built around 1750. We get very warm and the heavy breathing would get us in trouble if on the phone. The first section is quite tame but it soon increases in gradient and is a good climb. 

As we gain altitude the views open out and with some serious huffing and puffing from Jane and I we can look back on the path we walked yesterday  in the distance.

Almost at the top we met a group taking a breather so took the chance of them taking a photo for us.

At the top it's 1850' above sea level the official high point on the West Highland Way. But of course we hope to climb Ben Nevis later.

At the top it's said you can see Nevis in the distance but we could not make it out as we have no idea which one it is and think it was behind the nearer mountains and in cloud. The views were almost as breath taking as the climb!

So it's all down hill from now! - almost

As we descend we see the path we have to take meander in front of us.

The last section towards Kinlockleven is rough underfoot but the twisted angles are mostly due to looking at the stunning surroundings instead of the path.

The final part of the descent is steep and follows the route of huge water pipes from the Black Water Reservoir. Ok you would think downhill would be easier than up-Wrong downhill kills the knees and feet with your toes and pads off the feet screaming for help. It seemed to go on for miles and we were relieved when we reach the flat at Kinlockleven. As seems normal for us our accommodation is a good mile off track but the extra mile each way seems worth it as the B&B is super.

Today was short in mileage but boy made up for it in height and terrain. Still back in quite good time to have shower and write the blog. Now to find a pub...  a note to anyone coming to Scotland it is beautiful but I am sure the Scottish breed midges so you stay in the pub during the evening as there is no way you can sit out during the evening or you are eaten alive. 

So we move  onto our final leg of the WHW.

 Thanks for reading and all those who have donated.

West Highland Way Day 5

Tyndrum to Kingshouse. GPS 76.5 miles

Today is our longest day and we were hoping to have better weather and we did, no rain all day and some fantastic clear views. 

We head out of Tyndrum where we had an early breakfast. Our host at the B&B, Kilbride Lodge was fabulous. She had only started doing B&B last year and it comes as no surprise she has been fully booked all year.

We follow the line of the old A82 and under the slopes of Beinn Odhar...

As we walked this track we met our first Highland Cattle, Jane had been waiting anxiously to see them in real life and became quite excited at the fact we were standing next to them.

We knew this was to be a long day and when reaching the Bridge of Orchy was tempted to take a break but decide to push on 

The Bridge....

As we head out of Birdge of Orchy we start to climb through the Mam Carraigh forest, this was the first time in 5 days we got wet from sweat and not rain. As our legs screamed at us the sun shone which gave us a massive boost. With the views opening up the selfie stick made an appearance.

 Once out of the forest we could see Loch Tulla in the distance.

Steadily climbing we reach the summit of cairns with amazing views all around of Loch Tulla, Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount.

I can not find the words to discribe the Beaty of this scenery at every angle you look and the photos can never recreate it.

We head back down now towards Inveroran Hotel which is extremely remote, with the sun shining we could not resist stopping. So it's my birthday, which means a pint of Guinness had to be consumed.We crack on now and cross Rannoch Moor via the old drovers track.

We still had 9 miles to go and the old track is like walking on sharp cobbles not good for the feet.. The area and scenery was gorgeous but seemed endless as our feet were beginning to complain.

We could see it stretch for miles in front of us and it was only made acceptable by the stunning scenery.

We crossed the river Ba.

We pressed on  as we get towards the end of Rannoch Moor we pass Glen Coe Mountain Resort and an see the Kingshouse Hotel in the distance thinking it's much closer than it is - mighty depressing when your feet are on fire.

We pass the pretty Blackrock Cottage and dream of what it must be like to have a view like that from your home.

We'll eventually we reach our hotel that is in a stunning location but seems rather dated inside.

To cap off the evening we go outside to see the wild roe deer 

We're on the home stretch now. Bring on tomorrow.