West Highland Way (2022) Day 10

Word to the wise, this is not the end of the West Highland Way. It used to be, but no, they want you to walk all the way into Fort William and spend some money. I was yet to discover how much money we had spent – cider ain’t cheap, folks! – but until cousin Stu totted up the expenses, I was blissfully unawares.

I could say blisterfully, but it’s not a word, and although I was still hobbling, the end was in sight.

Just not here.

So we kept going!

This was the end. Although who this fella was, I don’t know. I think he was supposed to represent hikers. But, again, like cousin Stu, he was far too chipper! I was, however, pretty chipper, too, as I had my hiking trousers on for the first time in about nine days. Everything else was packed away. We were back in civilisation, after all.

And… still talking! Just don’t mention those lovely trail shoes (sneakers, really) cousin Stu is wearing. Not a word! As for my wonderful Scarpas – they never failed me. Still in one firm – very firm – piece! UP! was good in those boots. Everything else, especially down – no ‘D’ – was awful. I tore up my toes quite a bit, but despite a black toenail, nothing fell off. It’s actually taken a year for the black to grow out. You didn’t want to know that, but I’m sharing… again. 😉

Highlights of the West Highland Way were definitely the following:

Conic Hill and the football story cousin Stu told all the way UP! and down (lowercase) it.

Cousin Stu’s fabulous tent. Just thinking about how I would dispose of it kept me going for miles, and miles, and miles…

UP! All of it! (Note the “steadying hand” I am applying to cousin Stu in this photo. Note it!)

The humorous, good natured, and, to be fair, as cousin Stu often said, generous use of the finger!

The sheer enjoyment and wonder of nature. (You may note cousin Stu’s enthusiasm documenting said nature, while I’m lying dead in the heather!)

And, not least, the patience of saints! (Please ignore cousin Stu’s steadying hand. Cider was involved!)

Thanks, cousin Stu. Next time, we’re taking MY tent!