The Devil’s Staircase

It was looking pretty bleak this morning when we woke up. Driving rain, strong winds and very low cloud. The forecast said 85% rain at 9am and 22% by 10am. A rainbow gave us some hope.

We saw our chance and decided to gear up to take on the Devil’s Staricase. It is an ascent to highest point of the West Higland Way which is a walking trail that stretches from just north of Glasgow to Fort William and covers a distance of 154 klms. Where we are staying at Kingshouse is a regular stopping off point on the trek. The Hotel has the usual hotel style accommodation but also has a bunk house for the hardy souls who do the trek. They can access the back bar area, and I must say it is a bit pongy in there when they congregate at the end of their day !!

So, we set off and the weather looks OK. About a third of the way up you can see the squalls coming down the Glen (valley). Time to don the beanies, put the hood up, put on the gloves, put the camera away and brace for the onslaught. The wind is fierce today.

It’s not long until it blows over, and the ascent continues. It gets steeper as we approach the summit, but we both have walking poles which are a great help. The summit comprises a small cairn, and then the path drops away as it heads down to Kinglockleven, about 7 klm away. the majority of people are heading that way, but we retace our steps down. It’s a long slow descent as Kirsty is intent on chatting with those coming up, who I think quite enjoy the break.

Back down and we head to the hotel. Kate has been poorly today (that is, she is sick). A cold and headache, and a morning in bed is the best medicine. We catch up with her for lunch in our room and decide upon a car trip this afternoon. Good choice, as the weather has really turned nasty again.

We decide to head out through Glencoe and along Loch Leven to Kinglochleven to see where the trial ends after The Devils Staircase. We actually spot a girl finishing the walk that we saw doing the ascent. It’s a beautiful drive, but then everywhere here is beautiful even in the pouring rain. There is such a atmosphere, you can almost touch and taste it.

We visited the monument to the Glencoe Massacre where, in the 1692, 38 men, women and children of the MacDonald clan were massacred upon the orders of William III. A further 40 odd died in the snow after fleeing. It was designed to be an example to others who did not swear allegiance to the Crown.

On the road home we took advantage of what we thought was a small gap in the weather to jump out and look at the Meeting of Three Waters place and an old stone bridge…..we got soaked and blown away as the gap was very small !

Back to the dry of the hotel for a couple of wee drams, cards and a rest before dinner. Big day, a big couple of days which have been thoroughly enjoyable. A dream come true for me, I just love this place and the changeable weather just added to the atmosphere.