Yesterday was a bit of a whirl wind. After getting a lift by a great young (20 something couple) and getting to Kinlochleven we tried to get a bus to Fort William, but there had been a bad accident on the highway and the bus did not come in the evening, so we stayed and ate and drank and felt much better. (see Day 3)
During dinner and later we discussed what Vicky wanted to do and what we could do. We had reservations on Tuesday for staying at Rannoch Moor Hotel and we even had a resupply box being sent there. We decided we would go up to Ft William today, stay the night and then take the train the next day to Rannoch Moor Station to keep our reservations at the hotel and that would give Vicky more time to decide if she wanted to continue or we needed to make other plans.
Kinlochleven is right along the West Highland Way, a very popular north/south hiking route in the highlands of Scotland. The sign is right by the bus stop!
The High Street in Fort William. Another place we had not explored yet on our trips to Scotland, so it was nice to spend the day just looking around.
Even though we didn't feel like hikers at the moment we managed a picture with the statue at the end of the West Highland Way. We didn't come with any reservations for lodging so we looked for a place that might have openings. We found the Ossian Hotel right on the High Street. It was a nice basic place but the people where very nice, the price was right for same day booking and it was very convenient location. We wondered around town, ate some more and drank some more.
Day 5
The following afternoon we took the train down to Rannoch Station. It was very scenic train ride through the highlands along Loch Treig and south past Corrour Stationyou can see our bus, train route below
Rannoch moor is a bit of an oasis. It is at the end of a road and the rail stop can be considered in the middle of nowhere, but here sits a lovely station with a tea house, a few very nice houses and a 5 star hotel run by a husband and wife team.
The hotel sits right at the top of the rail platform and at the end of the road. Run by Scott (front of house) and Steph (chef). This place is designed to cater to everything you could want when you want to relax and unplug. Scott, a veteran of many years at the big hotel chains, is a fantastic host with lots of knowledge of whiskey's and gins.
Tea and coffee on check in, a comfy lounge area and an assortment of games and puzzles (Vicky favorite pastime) to keep you occupied.
In your room, single malt whiskey and homemade chocolate whisky truffles...
We roamed around town, checking out the little museum in the railway station and the tea house next door.
The Hotel only seats 6 tables for dinner, so lots of people will take tea and something to eat at the station tea room when the hotel is booked, which is usually all the time!
A herd of deer have made the village their home, especially since they get good handouts from the kitchen each day.
Dinner was outstanding, good pre-beer selections and some with. This meal joined the fingers on one hand for the best meals I have eaten out.
All during the day we talked about what to do next. Vicky was just into this years walk, bad start with headache, some muscle issues and other factors just didn't leave her with the enthusiasm to carry on for now. Tweed, our favorite ceilidh band plays in Aviemore on Thursday nights at the Cairngorm Hotel. We could see them or maybe Vicky could see them and I could hike on for a few days. The next day was the infamous Wine and Cheese Party which we were scheduled to attend. I brought this up tentatively as it would mean Vicky would have to take the train back to Ft William, take a bus to Inverness stay the night on her own and then take the train to Aviemore on Thursday morning. Vicky was willing to give it a go on her own adventure. I made all the train, bus and hotel reservations (the Inverness Student Hostel) and then the Cairngorm Hotel in Aviemore. What could go wrong?
Well, you all made the best of the situation, and at least found some lovely places and people to fill in the gaps. You were together and making decisions together, so all seemed to turn out okay. I know it wasn't the way you planned it, but I think you all did a great job of moving ahead for the remainder of your trip. I actually enjoyed seeing the towns, people, and places you stayed. You had a chance to interact with the true "Scots" a bit more on this leg of your journey.
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