Story
Hi Folks, having had the week to recover and reflect on our adventure we can safely say that it was a truly remarkable and rewarding experience.
We have pulled together a slide show with photographs taken throughout our walk you are more than welcome to view them just use the following link.
http://www1.snapfish.co.uk/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=160668998/a=99359943/t_=99359943
We encountered all the elements associated with all four seasons. We travelled on pathways built some two hundred years ago, rocky crags that have, as yet, never been groomed or even adjusted to make the under foot conditions less demanding for the novice walkers, like our selves and many of those who will attempt the way.
We experienced, first hand, the much talked about warmth and friendly welcome visitors from overseas associate with the hospitality of the Scottish B&B. We also made friends, along the way, with people whom had travelled from the other side of the world just to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of our lovely country.
In closing we would encourage you all to find the time in your busy lives just to experience the beauty that lies just an hour or so away even for just an afternoon or a day. Mary Ann and I will, I am sure, be spending more of our time adventuring into our home country, although not on such an epic scale.
To each and every one of you who supported our efforts we would like to say a final big thank you.
Day 7 - 28/06/07, We made it ....or as Tony Blair said yesterday THE END! 95 miles, 40 pints, 35 Gin & Tonic’s, 11 Blisters, nearly £4000 raised for ABF and we are now part of the 30 % club. We promise to put a link on here next week for all the photo's in the meantime, thanks for all your support and generous donations ... it will really make a difference ...... Thanks also to my darling Steve, who really was there for me every step of the way.... we will remember “One more step along the Way we go" for the rest of our lives.......
Day? - 27/06/07, "Lost count think its 6" We are sitting in the Kinlochleven Hotel after having completed our latest stage. Weather turned and we had some pretty cold and wet conditions on the way here. It brings home the need for packing all weather gear. Mary Ann has continued to deal with multiple blister challenges and kept up a good pace, what a star. We walked through Glen Coe and took the "Devils Stair Case" as the only route over the top. Aptly named I can tell you, straight up and "zigzag" all the way to 540 meters above sea level. First view of
Ben Nevis , talk about spectacular it was well worth the journey. We have one walk to do to complete our challenge, can't see anything stopping us now... Mary Ann would rather crawl in than give up now. Thanks again for all your support Steve and Mary Ann.
Day 5 - 26/06/07, the longest day & walk of my life! Weather is perfect, easy 'march' for first 7.5 miles to Bridge of Orchy ... large slice of Carrot Cake best Medicine for copious blisters, Mary Ann now only able to wear trainers, but determined to keep going, long long walk across the open moor to Ba Bridge, past Corrie Ski slopes and down into Glen Coe to KingsHouse. Short but steep climb and walk to Kinlochleven tomorrow. We had a generous donation from a group of Americans who we met in the KingsHouse Lodge....
Day 4 - 25/06/07, half way there! No rain, unlike the rest of the country, spectacular scenery lovely views through Glen Falloch. Midges must have gone on vacation as there has no signs of them today. Mary Ann has some major blisters on her toes which are proving to be very painful. In true military fashion she has soldiered on. We stopped over at the Drovers Inn last night it won best
Inn of the year in 1767 has not been refurbed since. Owner does not want to lose the winning theme!! We have our longest section tomorrow so its early night, bye for now
Day 3 - 24/06/07, The toughest thus far, rained 4 most of day - walked for total of 7.5 hours !still smiling ,just ! Said goodbye 2
Loch Lomand ...Supper in Drovers Inn... I think I'm growing new little toes as old ones dropping off bit by bit, Sponsors be sure you're getting your money's worth!
Day 2 - 23/06/07, 25 miles down - 70 to do! - started well in sunshine,1st 6 miles climb to 390m above sea level, Conic Hill,1st view of Loch Lomand ,by half way ,more blisters for MaryAnn but both still smiling & speaking .Day finished on a high 14 miles completed, Graham & Carol Mackie, & Graeme & Jill Taylor from Aberdeen had arranged with Steve to meet us in Rowardennan, great surprise,& helped us on our way! Toughest part of walk tomorrow, another 14 miles & lots of rain forecast.....
Day 1 - 22/06/07, We're on our way; we made it to Drymen, no bites, one blister, 2 nips of Whisky and lots of sun and spectacular views. Evening meal in 'oldest pub in (allegedly), away to Conic Hill and onwards to our first toe in the water on the banks of
Loch Lomand......
Well the starters pistol is just one sleep away from our endurance test, and we are about as prepared as we will ever be. Looks like we may experience some rain in the first day, hopefully it will pass us over and leave us sunshine for the remainder of our walk.
As some of you may be aware Mary Ann will be 40 years young this year and to mark this special occasion we plan to walk the West Highland Way this summer to raise money for our chosen charity.
This test of endurance and stamina will commence on the 22nd June through until the 28th June. We will both be taking a week out of our busy lives to walk the route from Milngavie on the outskirts of ’s largest city, Glasgow , to Fort William – a distance of 95 miles. The route will see us walk by the foot of its highest mountain, along the shores of its largest freshwater loch. It also passes from the lowlands, across the Highland Boundary Fault and on into the Scottish Highlands.
As many of you will know Mary Ann has past experience and service in the army as a Captain and nurse in the Queen Alexander's Royal Army Nursing Corp (QARANC).For this reason we have decided our chosen charity will be The Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), the Army’s national charity. For over sixty years the charity has worked tirelessly to provide financial and practical support to soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need.
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me. The Army Benevolent Fund will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
Please give generously as I can assure you this will be a one off event.
Regards
Steve