Day 77: West Highland Way - Kinlochleven to Fort William

Day 6 on the West Highland Way, the final day. It’s been a mixture of weather again as I tackled the final leg of the trail all the way to Fort William. 

• Date: 5 June 2024
• Start: Kinlochleven
• End: Fort William
• Miles: 16.1
• Total miles: 1,051.6
• Accommodation: Glen Nevis Campsite

It was a soggy start to the morning, as it rained while we had breakfast and put the tents away. Thankfully, there was a small shelter with a kettle that we could use. 

A previous walker had mentioned that Kinlochleven was a beautiful place that I should spend some time in. For me though, I thought it was a dump. Sorry to those that live there. We popped to the Co Op to stock up on food and off we went. 

The day started with a big climb out of the town and up onto a hill. 

The track continued for miles. The weather was the same as yesterday, we were hit with rain, then sun, and then some hail. 

We finally reached the summit of today’s walk, with views towards a cloud blocked Ben Nevis. It was then a descent all the way down to Fort William. 

On the road into Fort William, we passed the campsite I’d be staying in, so I quickly pitched my tent, dumped my backpack and continued until we reached the end of the West Highland Way in the centre of Fort William. 

We then backtracked towards the bus station, where I said goodbye to Julie who boarded a bus back to Glasgow. I also reached the start of the Great Glen Way which I’ll be starting on Friday. 

After Julie had departed, I popped to the supermarket and then was joined by my friend Sam, who’s joining me in Fort William for the next two days. We headed back to camp then to the local pub at the bottom of Ben Nevis. 

I’m due a rest day tomorrow, but Sam has insisted that he take me on at least a small hike to a waterfall nearby. There’s never anytime to rest is there!

The West Highland Way is now complete, with two trails left to go.