
Set off on Day 1 (15/04) to walk to Drymen. Showers as we proceeded past the Glengoyne Distillery which turned to rain as we departed the Beech Tree Inn. Made good time into our destination and quickly located the Kip-in-the-Kirk accommodation, where we had reservations. Scones with jam on arrival and an amazing continental breakfast prior to departure. Friendly staff. Not cheap at £30 a night but worth the experience.
Day 2 (16/04) was a walk to the Youth Hostel at Rowardennan. We departed at 0910 in freezing temperatures. Stiff climb up Conic Hill and harder one down. Break for lunch at Balmaha before an incident-free stroll to Rowardennan. Arrived just prior to 6pm. £27 per night here but the views and location make this not unreasonable. There is also a food/tuck shop for snacks etc.
Day 3 (17/04). Not looking forward to this one. Reasonably easy going as far as Inversnaid in rain and showers. Cold. Enjoyed lunch at the Inversnaid Hotel before setting off to tackle the assault course that is the walk to the end of Loch Lomond. Really hard going. Called in to Doune Bothy to put waterproof trousers on. A wise move

Day 4 (18/04). The long day - 19.5 miles. Departed at 0655 and headed off, in rain, past Derrydarroch Farm and on to the junction with the path to Crianlarich. Making good time. Rain is heavier as we approach Tyndrum and our lunch stop at the Best Food Café. Whilst inside there is an absolute downpour. Perfect timing

Day 5 (19/04). Looking forward to this day, to Kingshouse Hotel. Weather is glorious sunshine. Over the hill and Inveroran comes up quickly. Onto Rannoch Moor. Amazing how many people are doing this walk so early in the year!! Pass the Fleming cairn and look down on our destination. Arrive Kingshouse at 2.30pm. Feeling good. Views to Buachaille Etive Mor are stunning. £40 for B&B seems good value.
Day 6 (20/04). Short day today, only 9 miles. Sun shining magnificently. Views to die for. Didn't leave till 10am after leisurely breakfast. Struggled up The Devil's Staircase and had lunch at the summit. Incredible vista from up here. Ben Nevis visible in all its' glory. Strolled into Kinlochleven about 3.15. Booked in to the West Highland Lodges but, on arrival at Blackwater Hostel, we were offered the opportunity to reside here overnight for the same price (£18 each) which included an en-suite bathroom. Accepted.
Day 7 (21/04). The hard last day here already


22/04 - made our way to the railway station for the 0744hrs train. The journey from Fort William to Glasgow by train is one of awesome views and outlooks. 2 changes and we are back at the car and returning to Birmingham. As I said - What a Week!!