The last day was upon us, it was a big one, 15-miles, but we were ready and the weather looked promising!
Pam pumped us up for the morning climb and off we headed to the hills…
After a long climb, we eventually hit more undulating type hills that continued for several miles. We saw more groups of people on the trail this day than any other day. 
An old home in ruins lie next to the path, an intriguing site along the way.
About a third of the way through we stopped for lunch planting ourselves right on the trail. 
The second half the day had some fun obstacles to find our way over, several streams and
a log slide surrounded by mud in an area that had been clear cut not too long ago.
Eventually half of Ben Nevis (Great Britain’s tallest mountain), came into view (the other half was in the clouds), letting us know we were almost to the end of our 96-mile journey.
We finally made it to the last hill of the day, the last hill we would walk up on our adventure together, the hill that lead us to our final and gorgeous B&B 🙂 Exhausted, excited, and feeling rather elated over completing our long journey, we hit the showers and cleaned up for our last big dinner together. What a trek, what a group, and what a view from our B&B!
The end of the West Highland Way is marked by a tall rectangular sign, located at Gordon Square in Fort William. It was the perfect spot for our last team photo! 
Up next day hikes on the Orkney Isles
Until then,
Keep on Trekking!
Other than a few rain drops, the worst never came and by days end the sun was making a showing, again we managed to luck out!
On the way up, we couldn’t help but turn and look at all the great views the climb provided of the Glencoe Mountain range…
We made it to the top and captured the moment as we were at the highest point of our entire 96-mile journey!
Today’s stretch was through the barren and remote Rannoch Moor, one of Europe’s last remaining areas of genuine wilderness. This is an area that is often very windy and wet, with no shelter until the Glencoe Ski Resort about 9.5 miles into the hike or a half mile further, the Kings House Hotel.
and kept marching till our accommodations!
Despite the heavy rain and wind, we still managed to smile and have fun. It wouldn’t have been a full experience on the WHW without massive wind and sideways rain!
Our morning involved a few obstacles to climb over and squeeze through, but it wouldn’t be a day on the trail without a few challenges…
at our first and only rest stop of the day (6 miles in), the Bridge of Orchy Hotel.
After enjoying scones and tea in the pub of the Hotel, we headed out for our short 3-mile jaunt over the hill to our accommodations.
The climb over the hill was beautiful. Mountains and hills of the highlands were all around, inspiring us to keep climbing.
We made it to the top where we caught the first glimpse of our Inn.
This 19th century Inn sits isolated on the edge of Rannoch Moor and is only still in use, thanks to the popularity of the West Highland Way!
The rain started up again shortly after we arrived, feeling rather fortunate we showered and then huddled in the small bar and watched other trekkers rolling in all wet and cold. Some of these trekkers were camping and stopped in to dry off and have a drink before they had to set up camp. We were so happy we were not them!
Today’s trail was far different than yesterday’s slow maneuvering trail. Soon after leaving Inverarnan, the gently rolling path took us along the picturesque, fast flowing River Falloch. We lucked out again with the weather – no rain and bright clouds and blue sky, with the sun making a showing every now and then! Perfect hiking weather!
and provided mostly wide open sweeping views, with just a few areas of tree coverage.
After lunch, it was time to climb. It’s not always the best idea to eat and then participate in vigorous exercise, but we had places to go, so we pushed right through. And, with our Canadian teammate leading the way we had no worries!
Higher and higher we climbed…
Until we found a place to stop, so we could stretch…
and another place to stop, so we could sit… 
We had no egos holding us back from a nice resting spot, and of course an opportunity for another team photo under the lovely arched bridge!
However looking ahead wasn’t all that bad either aside from dark clouds rolling in…
We finally made it to our place of stay, 12.5 miles of walking completed! We managed to make it without a drop of rain. However, it poured right before dinner when we needed to walk into town from our B&B to the pub. We did get a bit wet, but the drinks, great food, and people at the pub made up for the wet clothes!
The first half of our day, aside from a few midges, and blister bandaging stops, was quite peaceful with lovely trails that were mostly smooth. This allowed us to make it to Inversnaid for an early lunch. The photos below show the final walk into Inversnaid, which took us over a bridge with a view of an enchanting waterfall. Inversnaid lay nestled in the hillside above Loch Lomond.
leading to slow and challenging foot-paths. Meticulously crafted benches were unfortunately surrounded by mud.
We came across an old house, and a bothie – a small hut or cottage open to hikers for sleeping or shelter during bad weather. They are found along wilderness trails all around Scotland. Bothies are free, and very simple as trekkers must bring their own sleeping bag, pad, stove and food.
Eventually we made it to the end of the loch. Looking back reminded us how far we had already come, from one end of the loch to the other. One of the most impressive things thus far – the vivid greenery of Scotland! Seattle may be known as the Emerald City, but just doesn’t compare (at least not during the summer months)! Couple the brilliant green hillsides with a deep blue loch and sky – magical!
The ups and downs and ferns continued as we hiked further and further away from Loch Lomond. We started to wonder if we missed a turn-off to our hotel as the wilderness seemed to go on and on and on…
However, eventually we did see the finish line to this long challenging, yet beautiful day. Seeing the historic Drover’s Inn Hotel was a welcome site to say the least!
Our lunch break in Balmaha…
