Kinlochleven to Fort William - The End of the Hike!

We booked two nights in Kinlochleven to allow a day to rest and recuperate before the 16 mile walk into Fort Willliam for the last and final day of the hike. Weather prediction was a little iffy for Monday, so plans were changed and the hike was moved ahead by one day to Sunday, July 3. The day started out warm and sunny. Since reservations were still in Kinlochleven, the hike needed to be completed before 5:00 p.m. Which is when the last bus left Fort William for Kinlochleven. The trail turned out to be a shorter version of the devils staircase as there were many switchbacks, as we climbed 850 feet. The trail topped out at the entrance of a huge glen, whichnran east and west. At the end we topped out on was astounding fires of Loch Leven. We started west in a huge mountain valley. The trail was a big track and passed several old ruins of farms where people tried to make a go of it in this rugged territory. After about 3 miles, the valley turned to the north and started downward. We ate lunch before a stone sheep fold, where the birds come to eat lunch with you because they know they will receive a handout simply by being cute. Ben Nevis then came into view, which is the tallest mountain of the British Isles. This also marks the end of the way. We went through some clear cuts and came out on a spot where the trail and the road met. The trail went to the Ben Nevis mountain trails and came out on the east side of Fort William and the road option came out on the west side of Fort William. The road option was shorter and therefore in the best interest of the group due to having to meet the bus. Mission accomplished!! Thus, the end of the journey to the West Highland Way came on the afternoon of July 3, 2011. 12 days to walk 105 miles. Yeah for us!!!!