Today saw the group arrive at Drymen.

After unpacking and a chat about the trip ahead, we headed to the Pottery for dinner.

Drymen to Rowardennan: 14 miles (22.5 k).

Today saw the group head off from Drymen for our first day of the WHW with Rowardannen as our destination 14 miles later.

We walked over Conic Hill and down to Balymaha where we had lunch by the shores of Loch Lomond.

The weather was clear and sunny and everyone was in good spirits.

We had a beautiful walk up the side of Loch Lomond to our Hotel at Rowardennan.

Tonight we stayed at the very comfortable Rowardennan Hotel on the shore of the loch.

A good meal and a few beers refreshed everyone and we eagerly the following days walk... another 14 miles tomorrow!

Rowardennan to Inverarnan: 14 miles (22.5 k)

After breakfast we made our way, again following the shore line, to Inversnaid where we had our lunch.

Beautiful weather and stunning views were the order of the day.

We even saw an ibex - a wild goat with superb curving horns.

The path got quite difficult after the Inversnaid hotel and it is reputed to be the most difficult section of the WHW.

All of the group managed well and after a refreshment stop at Beinglass Farm of one sort or another (from tea to Guinness) we headed on to the Drovers Inn in Inverarnan.

The Drovers was a truly memorable Inn and we had a memorable meal.

(Nickey got the award for being the Queen of deserts - and for her excellent photos!)

Inverarnan to Tyndrum: 12 miles (21k)

28 miles down and day 3 saw us leave the Drovers Inn bound for Tyndrum, only 12 miles today!

Again we had beautiful weather and fantastic views.

We made a slight detour off the route to go down to visit Crianlarich where we had our lunch before retracing our steps back up through the woods to rejoin the WHW.

We all got very excited at the prospect of a shop in Tyndrum and the Green Welly Shop became like a little oasis!

The group had a definite "stayers" fraction - i.e. those who could stay up and avail themselves of the local Malts, wines, and beers... and still walk without any effect the next day!

They kept us entertained as they regaled us with many stories, especially of local singing talent (Not!)

Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy: 7 miles (9.5k)

Today saw a more leisurely start as we only had a short day of 7 miles.

This seemed to literally zip by and we arrived at Bridge of Orchy and our unusual but fabulous accommodations at the "WHW Sleeper".

The WHW Sleeper is an old station converted into an attractive bunkhouse, which we had exclusive use of for tonight.

We ate our lunchtime sandwiches in the old station waiting room. In the afternoon there were a range of activities - from naps to short walks. Liz and Nicole even got to Inveroran and back!

A great meal was had in the evening at the Bridge of Orchy hotel and again, our "stayers" did us proud.

(I think Marcie was remembering her honeymoon here 30 yrs previously!)

Bridge of Orchy to Kings House Hotel: 12 miles (21K)

A misty start. Today was back to the more usual length days and we made our way 12 miles across Rannoch Moor, from Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse at Glencoe.

On route we stopped at Inveroran for a cup of tea and then headed past Forest Lodge and over Rannoch Moor to The Kings House Hotel.

As we approached Kings House the rain started but fortunately we were safe inside before the real deluge came... Perfect timing!

Easy chairs by the fire and pre dinner drinks followed by another good meal replenished our reserves.

The real excitement was the fact that the rooms had baths and not just showers!

Kings House Hotel to Kinlochleven: 9 miles (14.5k)

Breakfast at the Kings House was great and definitely got the best porridge vote.

This set us up for our walk of 9 miles down part of the Glencoe valley and over the Devils Staircase to Kinlochleven.

The night and early morning had seen torrential rain.

However, when we set off, the rain abated and we were rewarded with spectacular views of Buchaill etive mor and in fact only got a few showers during our ascent of the Devils Staircase.

Everyone was glad when we reached the top of the staircase and as we made our way to Kinlochleven, the weather brightened more and more.

We ate at the famous Ice Factor that evening and then returned to the Tailrace Inn where we were staying to discover yet another local singing star was entertaining the masses for the evening.

We did seem to have the unfortunate knack of hitting places where the budding stars of the future were in full swing!

Kinlochleven to Fort William: 14 miles (22.5k)

Our last day on the trail!

We set off in mixed weather to complete the last 14 miles from Kinlochleven to the end of the West Highland Way in Fort William.

With the rain of the previous days, which we seemed to miss most of, the streams were all full and the paths often an extension of the streams.

We made our way through the woods and up the old Drovers road when the real rain came in with a vengeance... We had been so lucky for our entire trip that it had to happen!

Despite the conditions the group surged on toward Fort William. Many streams had become rivers and we had lots of detouring and water jumping to continue on our way.

As luck would have it, the rain then stopped and although a little drizzly, things brightened up...

... and we made our way to our finish point in Fort William - 83 miles from our start point in Drymen. Definitely there were celebrations that night!

It had been a fantastic walk and we had a tremendous group. Everyone was great fun, easy going and a real pleasure to spend time with.

We had a resting day to explore and take short walks before heading back to Glasgow.

It was with much sadness that we all said our goodbyes and began our journeys to our respective homes and countries.