A Scottish Story – Day 26, Got to take the bad with the awesome

Distance: 37km

I really enjoyed the Eagle Barge last night. Picture an eclectic bar with currency of all varieties hanging off the ceiling, home drawn pictures on the wall and a huge map with pins stuck into it from all over the world. I take great pride in pressing a pin into the tiny part of the world I call home.

As it’s a windy night, everybody is crammed into the small bar area and it is a group conversation. There are dogs running round, and I even end up with a dog lying on the bar in front of me, soaking up the attention I very willingly provide it. A very lovely evening.

The walk today was not a highlight. In fact, it wasn’t until late in the day that the best part of it wasn’t the route I was re-doing from the camp site back to the track! The morning consisted of forestry walking, lots of bare, open spaces where the trees have been taken and little remains.

I also encounter my first very boggy, “off-road” type area following a barely there trail alongside Loch Garry. Honestly, it was a bit of a slog, so much so that I wished I had taken the alternative road walking route described in the trail guide. Essentially, a lot of work for not much viewing reward.

I arrived at Paulary , the end of the stage at about 5.00pm. I didn’t like what I saw. A potential camping spot, but right by a reasonably busy road. No shade and a tiny trickle of water. I decided I had another couple of hours left in me. It was a perfect evening, and I’d rather sleep on top of the mountain than right by the road.

So it was that at 5.30 I pushed on up and over the Mam na Seilg pass.  It was the best decision I could have made as I thoroughly enjoyed the physical exertion late in the day.  On the other side, I was rewarded by an amazing view.  A moody, mystical valley with sheer walls, mountains on all sides and a creek running through the middle.  Perfect for setting up a tent. With a cheer, I continued down to the valley floor eager to spend the night in this wondrous landscape.

This article was originally published on The Trek and can be found here