Happy hiking memories

A Courier reader was curious about a walking route taken to Fort William by 15-year-old pupils from Linlathen High School in June 1975.

He says: “Here’s an abbreviated version, giving camping destinations each day, starting from Glen Clova: Loch Callater, via Jock’s Road/Loch Nan Eun, via Bealach Buidh (west of Loch Callater) and Baddoch Burn/Gilbert’s Bridge via Gleann Mor, Falls of Tarf and Glen Tilt/Loch Errochty, via Blair Atholl, Struan and Glen Errochty/Western end of Loch Rannoch, via SW route to B846 then along road/Corrour Station, via B846 and Road to Isles path (sign about one mile before Rannoch Station)/Glen Nevis campsite, via continuation of path west and Glen Nevis.

“On emerging from the Glen Nevis gorge towards the car park, the first vehicle we saw was an ice-cream van! Other memories include meeting an army of frogs high in the hills (difficult to walk without standing on them), swimming at the falls of Tarf (strictly supervised of course!), and how helpful and co-operative the pupils were without being asked.

“Not-so-good memories include millions of midgies when camping at the side of Loch Rannoch (in ears, mouth, up nose etc), a few taking up the offer of a lift home from Blair Athol due to blisters (borrowed boots!), and not being allowed to camp on grass outside Corrour Youth Hostel.

“Admittedly we probably looked a rather ‘dodgy’ bunch after five days in the wilds!

“Great memories – still hillwalking 45 years later (until lockdown) and can’t wait until it’s OK to hit the hills again!”