"If we wait on the weather to be right we'll never do anything in Scotland." Steph is certainly right about that. We've been planning to hike up the Munros Mayar and Driesh for ages now. Every day we've set aside for the walk has been miserable, even by Scottish standards. Today is no different mind you, we've just decided to... Continue Reading →
West Highland Way, Part 9: Burn Baby Burn
The air is refreshingly chill as I crawl out from under the covers and stand to have a stretch in our little cabin. Nature's symphony is in mid-season form as a chorus of birds are belting out beautiful song after song, no doubt inspired by the warm sunshine which is also filtering through our window.... Continue Reading →
West Highland Way, Part 8: The Devil Wears Salomons
I fully accept that I'm in the minority in thinking that 03:00 is a perfectly acceptable time to awaken and start the day, especially when on holiday (of sorts). Normally my proclivity for early rising doesn't affect anyone else, not even Steph who usually sleeps right through it if I get up and head out... Continue Reading →
West Highland Way, Part 7: Cobbled & Hobbled
We awake early to the sight of sunshine filtering softly through our window. I take a peek outside and see that there is a light coating of frost on the windscreen of the car parked out front. Is this high pressure finally come to ward away the rain? Would be nice to be sure, but... Continue Reading →
West Highland Way, Part 6: Shopping Day
"Can you please just leave me alone for 15 minutes? 15 minutes! It makes no difference to our day" For a split second I consider launching into an inspirational monologue about how every second of every day is unique and special and must be seized - bad Mel Gibson Scottish accent and all - but... Continue Reading →
West Highland Way, Part 5: Pain & Pride
05:00 on the dot and I'm awake; awake and hurting, bad. Getting out of bed is a real struggle but it has to be done. I've gotta piss like a race horse and I'm already starving. Oh, and we have 13 miles to walk today. Almost forgot that part.I scarf down a Mars bar -... Continue Reading →
West Highland Way, Part 4: Undulation
"Hey penguin, how you doing? I was pretty sore but I've been up since 04:00 and moved around and loosened up quite a lot. I've had some cereal, a hot chocolate and a tea. You want me to make you a tea or anything? Did you sleep okay? It's kinda drizzly outside but not too... Continue Reading →
West Highland Way, Part 3: Miles And Miles And Miles
"How is your knee?" "Which one?" "The bad one silly." "Bad." "Oh. Is your other one bothering you too?" "Yep. It feels worse." "Oh. You gonna make it?" "Yep." Thirty six days ago I re-injured my left knee when I fell off an easy boulder problem which I was in the process of setting at... Continue Reading →
West Highland Way, Part 2: Train Kept A Rollin
Like so many romantic journeys from days of yore we begin our West Highland Way adventure on a train. The 07:37 from Aberdeen to Glasgow to be precise, followed by an as yet unbooked short jaunt on to Milngavie. We spot one other passenger - a lady of much more advanced chronology than us -... Continue Reading →