West Highland Way - Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse Hotel

Day 6 has been a day of spectacular scenery as we started by climbing up the hill behind the Bridge of Orchy hotel to the ridge above Loch Tulla, before descending to the Inveroran Hotel. Then we continued along the old drove road to Glencoe. Apparently this originated as one of General Wade’s roads in the early 18th century but had fallen into disrepair until is was restored and improved by Thomas Telford in 1803. It was the main road to Glencoe until it was replaced by the current A82 in 1933, but is still in quite good condition and is used for the West Highland Way. It ascends gently for quite a long way until it descends past the Glencoe Ski Centre to the A82 and beyond to the Kingshouse Hotel, our destination for tonight. The total distance was 19 km. 

James pointed out to me the mountains that we could see on our way, and the views were absolutely beautiful. We passed red deer grazing on the hill above Bridge of Orchy, and further on we saw two golden eagles circling above Meall a’ Bhuiridh. The weather was sunny with big white clouds and it was such a lovely walk. We chatted to a few people on our journey, some of whom we recognised from the bar last night, and we met two nice young men, one of whom has had a kidney transplant, who are cycling from Fort William to Glasgow to raise money for Kidneys for Life.

When we arrived at the Kingshouse Hotel I was absolutely delighted. It’s the first time that we have visited it since its rebuild, and it is gorgeous; it is of a high standard, both the public areas and the bedrooms. We had plenty of time for showers and baths before dinner, which was delicious. We sat at a table right by the window with amazing views of Glencoe. A mummy duck led 12 ducklings past the window from the river to the pond. It was idyllic.

After dinner we came upstairs to watch the second half of Eurovision *, which has been staged this year despite Covid, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. James is fast asleep by my side! 

* Italy won. The UK got nul points.