We managed to time the weather nicely today, by getting up late and letting the snow storm pass by. In its wake was knee deep fresh snow, which made for an exciting (and tiring) day in the highlands.
We got dropped off at the top of Glen Coe, intending to take the West Highland Way to Kinlochleven. The sign post that marks the start of the route was visible, but all traces of the path were well and truly buried!
With the low cloud and white light, the A82 road was the only visible feature...
Once up into the clouds, visibility was reduced to only a few meters, which meant that navigation by map and compass was the only safe way to proceed. And this proved to be quite tricky while bulldozing a trail. And somewhat fatiguing!
Once over our high col, we got a view into the next valley, which is always reassuring when the navigation has all been on 'dead reckoning'!
Once we'd located a final bridge, we could relax a bit, as the trail is easy from there onwards, down into the valley at Kinlochleven.
The cloud remained low, and the skies dark compares to recent days but there was only a little drizzle in the air as we descended. The temperature has also begun to rise - this morning the snow was soft and powdery; this afternoon heavier and wet, which made the trail breaking even harder.
We got picked up just before dark and returned to the hut for some traditional Scottish produce - Tunnocks Teacakes by the fireside!
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