Journal Entries

After dropping down to Inveroran, we ascend gradually up through Rannoch Moor, one of the largest uninhabited moors in Scotland. The clouds are still clinging to the mountains surrounding us, and the midges don't let us stop for long to enjoy the scenery, but this stretch of trail is easily one of the most spectacular we've seen yet.

Well, what do you know? The clouds began to clear as we made it to the high point between Bridge of Orchy and Inveroran. We finally get to see some real Scottish mountains. And they do not disappoint!

The heather beside the trail has been one of the many highlights. No amount of rain will dull its purple shine.

We took the bus up to Bridge of Orchy, a tiny village named for... guess. There was a little bit less rain when we arrived. So, that was a win.

More rain in the morning, while we rested in the luxury of Ewich House, a gigantic old stone farmhouse B&B. How could we leave this place to go out in the cold? Well... We decided to try something different, and skip a few miles of trail by bus, so we could wait out the rain a little longer. Sssh! Don't tell anyone!

Walking through so many villages gives hikers needed respite on rainy days. Stopping for tea and baked goods at Strathfillan Farm, just to stay out of the rain and warm up a bit.

A brief respite from the rain under an old railway bridge. Works of art like these are a dime a dozen out here, but it's impossible for me to ignore them. I have to walk slow and see it all.

Mud, rain, snack time. It's chilly enough in the rain here that it's hard to stop for snacks. Even at the nice little rest stops like this one, it's impossible to relax too much.

Mud, sheep pastures, and mist. With so much cold and wet, I'm still reminded of home, especially with the ancient (who knows how old?) stone walls, covered in moss and lichen.

It didn't really stop raining all day, and the clouds hung low enough to block just about all views. Still, everyone was on the trail, knowing that you can't wait out the rain in Scotland.