West Highland Way Days 8-9 -- Journey's End
Day 8 of my second West Highland Way journey began at the Blackwater Hostel & Campsite and ended at Glen Nevis Camping & Caravan Park. I finished the following day, choosing to rest my feet and take a leisurely day in Fort William on the last day. My hiking partner Barb @WanderFreeWithBarb had a train to catch so she headed out very early for Fort William, so I spent the last day on the trail solo (but not really). In stark contrast to my last walk, this day was beautiful and clear, and I tried to savor every moment as I knew it would be ending soon. Despite the state of my feet after weeks of hiking in the UK, I was elated to be finishing this iconic trail for a second time.
My knee was screaming at me by this point, so I knew Ben Nevis wasn’t likely to happen. I had a few days to laze around beneath the magnificent mountain and I was much looking forward to it. I enjoyed strolling around Fort William and the train ride back to Milngavie was heart achingly beautiful. It was bittersweet watching all the places we’d just spent days walking through fly by in a matter of a few hours. At several points during the train ride, you could see people out on the trail, and it made me smile knowing what amazing things lay ahead for them.
The West Highland Way is more than just a hiking trail. It is a transformative journey through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. For me it marked the beginning of me taking my life back. Back from the monotony, the medical issues, the physical and emotional struggles that had marked the better part of the last several years. It was my promise to myself to make my own adventure, to enjoy the quiet and simple things that nature has to offer and to step out of my comfort zone and into a new, wilder, braver self.
The West Highland Way has a way of grabbing you and becoming part of you. I know it’s not done with me yet, and I cannot wait to return.
Thanks for watching & I’ll see you on the next adventure!
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Music: Toward Home by Cody Lundberg, Happy Go Lucky by Victor Lundberg, Pictures by Across The Great Valley used with license via Epidemic Sound. (use my Epidemic Sound referral link: • West Highland Way Days 3 & 4--Health issue... )
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