Adventures with LIRIS

12/06/2023

Sometimes, the best adventures can be close to home. These are some pics from an adventure close to where we stay. A stunning view after a short climb!

08/10/2022

"I'm afraid I can't explain myself, sir. Because I am not myself, you see?"

Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

CluedUpp Games

25/12/2021

LIRIS does Christmas!!

How amazing does she look?

14/10/2021

If any of you stopped in at the back packers in Ft William no doubt you'd have met this gent!! A lovely fellow with some amazing stories.

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Andy has taken his own life. Anybody who knew Andy will know he was a loving, free-spirited and caring Son, Brother, Uncle and Friend. He loved spending time in the hills, sharing those adventures and stories with others. Andy shall forever remain part of the hills. While we are still in shock and coping with Andy’s death, we don’t want Andy to be forgotten, share the tales of his stories, raise a glass for Andy, think of him next time you summit a Munro and remember the good times we all had, he may be gone but he will never be forgotten.

Mental health is something a lot of people struggle with including Andy and we feel it is only right to use this moment to mention that if you feel like you can’t cope please speak out, ask for help, talk to a friend, do not suffer in silence, you will not die because you talked about su***de, be open and honest, share how you feel, there is always someone to listen, the Samaritans are available day or night if you have nobody to talk to https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/.

Visit that friend, pick up the phone, keep an eye on loved ones, don’t take “am ok” as an answer always dig deeper, you could make a difference.

If you would like to make a donation to Support in Mind Scotland I am sure this would mean a lot to Andy given they operate in the Lochaber area.

https://www.supportinmindscotland.org.uk/donate/donate/5/credit-card

Details around funeral arrangements will follow in due course.

Please bare with us while we make arrangements for Andy’s business, at this stage we are not sure if it will continue in some capacity, he put so much love and effort into his business it would be a shame for it not to continue. If you have any enquiries about existing bookings please email [email protected]

28/07/2021

Day 7 - The Ascent.

We woke at 0700hrs and took a peek out of the window to see a gathering fog, we got ourselves ready and prepped for the long day ahead packing one of our rucksacks with the essentials.

We went down stairs in the hostel where we bid our farewell to Matt, the man we wouldn't see again the rest of this adventure but still keep in touch with.

Going into town we managed to get some breakfast and started our walk out to the Ben Nevis inn where our journey properly begins. We walked from Ft William all the way out (What's alittle more walking eh?)

We got to the start and took our before pictures, just so we can compare with our descent. It begins...

We followed the path up the side, there was alot more walkers coming down than going up at this time, they took the ascent really early. As the sun was nearing its highest point we arrived at a lochan where numerous people were taking advantage of its refreshing goodness, stripping down to (you know what I'll leave that to your imagination). We decided against it due to still having the majority of the hike to go - Our next checkpoint was the waterfall where we will refresh our water bottles. We met a lovely couple who had a young collie with them, the fella told us that he got long COVID while he was a PT, he was a boxing trainer and getting COVID jiggered his lungs. So they got the dog so that they could be motivated to go outside more, they took it slowly. The waterfall was busier, people dunking their faces in the small stream, dogs joining them. It's a deserved refuge.

The path got a bit more scrambly as we moved on from here. Rocks moving from under our feet but no injuries, well not us. We came across another couple sitting on a rock with the fella nursing his ankle, we got talking and gave him a support for his ankle from our trusty first aid kit. We continued onwards, the peak began to make an appearance, as did the cairns that lead you there.

We followed them and finally got to the top... It was worth it, the view was far and wide - the clearest that its been for a while apparently. The sun continues to burn down on us alittle still, the wind hardly existent. We sat by the mountain side and had a snack, a few folk joined us up there. We had a little chat among them and chilled as the sun started slowly leaving us...

It was time to descend...

We pretty much ran down the hill. We had a goal, get to the Inn before it closed, as we ran some more people were coming up, chilling on the snow watching the sun set...a beautiful sight it was going to be.

We hit the waterfall, quick stop, catch our breath continue...

We made our way, paths getting thinner, it's fine keep moving... our pace is almost a run but not quite a sprint. The midges have deployed, their air force is gaining on us. Ambushing us at different points. Avoiding the sheep who are climbing up. We reached the bottom. The Inn, it's lights glowing in the moonlight, the warmth of its shelter and idea of something to eat and drink. We got that.

Decided against walking back, we got transport arranged and a trip to the Morrisons petrol garage for some midnight snackage.

We got to the hostel, under the door the light shines through, but no noise. We enter quietly just incase. No one is to be seen. We sort ourselves out when a gentleman enters...Dressed like a Viking!! What a guy!! His pal was the same who was from Texas. We spoke to them into the wee hours. Learning so much and laughing so much more. It's been a helluva adventure. We kicked ass and when it tried to kick ours we kicked even harder. On to the next adventure!

We will never forget those we met on the way, the ones who were with us as we drove to the finish line and stayed with us after. It was a fight worth fighting, a time we really felt that we were living.

Until we meet again...
beannachd an-dràsta

26/07/2021

Day 6 - Kinlochleven to Ft William 15.4 miles-ish...

We woke within the confines of the Blackwater camp site situated next to the hydro electric facility for the reservoir.

We packed all of our belongings, spoke to our friends we met on the way and planned a little hurrah to conclude on.

We all got sorted, we both had aittle breakfast bar with a gulp of water, I received a text from Matt who was slowly making his way ahead. We headed for the local co-op first to get some final supplies then headed on our way.

Walking along the road was fine, it was flat and relaxing, the locals were also pleasant. We reached the path which started to get steep almost immediately but it was in the shade which was nice for walking in while it's been crazy warm, we reached the top of the hill and found Matt sitting in the shade, we continued the journey with him, we walked the path which seems like one of the better maintained on the way we reached an abandoned cottage where we stopped for lunch.

Not long after that there's another spot with a little stream where we also stopped, Matt let the water relax his feet and another friend from before Brian turned up who was walking it with his daughter. They were fast.

We followed the path again coming across signs talking about the Campbells and Glencoe and even an old fort that went on fire many years ago while Ben Nevis stands tall above us.

We reached the Glen Nevis campsite in pretty much one piece, following the tar macadam footpath into Ft William. Not too long later we crossed the finish line and went straight into the Ben Nevis Inn and got a drink, they allowed us to sit in and grab a chippy from across the road because they weren't serving food yet, it was to be a 45 minute wait. We managed to order online and get it quicker which was nice.

Shortly after we were accompanied by those we met along the way and spent the night telling our stories and where we're going next...

We have all kept in touch since. Matt and the two of us made it to the Hostel with only a short time to spare and got our keys, sharing a room with another individual who was sleeping while we arrived, we didn't interrupt the person and sorted our things in the hallway then headed to our beds... But this is not the end of our adventure. There's more to come.

25/07/2021

Day 5 - Glencoe to Kinlochleven 13ish Miles...

We arose from the windswept tent in the depths of Glencoe surrounded by the mountains which stand guard.

The midges began to colonise where we were based with the lack of wind and the increasing heat. We headed towards the Kingshouse hotel where we bumped into Matt again he had just had breakfast and we were just getting ours so it was a mere passing where we shared our "Good Mornings" before parting ways.

Going inside we spot what we want to get a little tub of cereal some crisps and juice. As we scoff it down TMM Experiences enter the building and grab themselves a drink also, we get talking to them, very friendly bunch. They're in there only a short while before leaving, it was only a little stopping point while some of the group caught up. We got ourselves fed and watered had a toilet break then made our haste.

We followed the WHW path behind the Kingshouse which follows along an Old Military Road to the 'Devils Staircase' and we found a camera sitting on the middle of the path, we picked it up to take to the next town where we were going to hand it in. We looked at the pictures to see if we recognised the owner and luckily it was someone we met on the way and funnily enough they were close by. At the bottom of the 'Devils Staircase' we met a couple from Ayrshire who were only here for a couple days. They mentioned their previous adventures and we took a couple of pictures before continuing our journey.

"The Devil's Staircase was given its name by the soldiers who were part of the road building programme of General Wade, because of the difficulties of carrying building materials up that stretch of the road. Later, however, the road lived up to its name when workers building the Blackwater Dam chose to travel to the Kings House Hotel after they had been paid, rather than walking down to Kinlochleven. The journey to the pub often proved to be more difficult than they realised and on the return trip, after a few drinks on a cold winter's night, the devil often “claimed his own.”[7]

In 1692, the path was the approach route for the (apparently delayed) troops coming from Kinlochleven to provide reinforcements for the Massacre of Glencoe."

Descending the slope at the next side was the TMM group that we ended up walking with towards the Blackwater more specifically Donna a lovely lady from Glasgow. We talked all the way there, this ascent was hard on the knees but we got there.

We registered our arrival and realised there was a system glitch on the camps computer but the lady was wonderful and managed to get it sorted. We set up camp and headed to town getting offered a pint from the TMM folks we met.

Matt was also kicking about so he got in touch recommending a place for food which acted as a rendezvous point. We ended the night with a well deserved fish and chips.

23/07/2021

Day 4 - Tyndrum to Glencoe. 20 Miles...

We got up around 8 and headed towards the Green wellie shop where we met Mark who works for TMM Experiences he was collecting supplies for the day ahead. Just then Matt our friend from the day previous walked by and wished us luck for the day ahead. It's a long one.

After talking to Mark we set off and grabbed breakfast at TJs Diner. Pancakes for the both of us - one with blueberries and the other with ice cream. Picked up some supplies in the spar.

We were now fuelled and ready to go...

Starting with a short ascent we came to a gate where a couple of black sheep stood guard but they allowed us through. Beside us the busy road and in the distance you can faintly see the railway line.

We then spotted people in the small river, I recognised the activity almost immediately as panning for gold.

We continued forward...

Reaching the next spot of civilization at the bridge of Orchy where we took a moment to pause and decide our next move.

Entering the Bridge of Orchy hotel we got comfy and grabbed a cold drink.

Continuing on our journey we reached Inveroran where we again bumped into Mark and discussed our next steps. He recommended a ruin on route to Glencoe for shelter. After talking we moved on again towards Rannoch moor where we spotted a little Pine Marten cross our path and disappear. After a little while we got onto the moor where there was a lack of people unlike the previous spots on the walks which was unusual but well needed. Sometimes it's good to get that peace and quiet.

The mountains surrounding us on all sides, no signs of human life to the naked eye apart from really old bridges along the path. We stopped at one and had a bite to eat of our protein bars with a little drink of water.

It felt like it was continuously ongoing, not coming to an end... We started to line up with the cottage when darkened clouds began to engulf the valley which is very fitting for the haunting stories that it's a character in.

The wind started picking up and rain began to fall the Kingshouse hotel was now in sight, it looked to open, we didn't want to be in the open when this all falls. Spotted... A small building barricaded by grass defences that we could use against the elements. We got there...eventually. Set up the tent quickly beating the weather and got inside feeling the wind batter against the walls but not as much as it could've been. Slowly we fell asleep, relaxed by natures rage.

22/07/2021

Day 3 - Beinglas Farm to Tyndrum
14-ish Miles.

Waking up as the suns rays penetrated the tent heating us up so early, so quickly. We got the tent down very quickly and headed for breakfast where the staff who had been on the night previously were full of energy (or were they) we ordered our breakfast some filled rolls - Square Sausage and Potato Scone and also a bacon filled roll.

Shortly after we were on our way, straight into it we were ascending a little hill. We hit a small roadblock - a bridge was out. It looked crossable but a diversion was in place so we thought we better not.

Following the diversion it took us up what felt like quite a steep incline we got there after a fair climb, another bridge was in place.

We stopped for a quick sip and continued our journey.

Following the path crossing another bridge and through some ferns we got onto a better maintained path where we met Matt a Londoner who blogs.

We stuck with him for the remainder of our journey to Tyndrum.

Taking a small break at the sign post for Crianlarich and Tyndrum (Apparently the halfway point of the WHW) we sat and discussed places we were staying so managed to book something for that night.

Another hill was in our way, we took our time with the climb but got to the top.

We kept going through forests and fell trees crossing the A82 and under the railway reaching St Fillans Priory which was a church established in the 12th Century by Robert the Bruce. Following Roberts defeat at the Battle of Methven in 1306 he was granted sanctuary at the old chapel there. Alistair MacDougall, seeking revenge for Bruce's murder of John Comyn, tracked down Bruce and his men to the priory. A battle ensued in a nearby field in which Bruce and his men fought bravely against greatly superior numbers before being forced to flee. In retreat, Bruce's men threw their heavy arms into the tiny Lochan where they are thought to remain to this day.
By 1607 the priory had become the property of the Campbells. Little remains of the building though as the stones were quarried to construct the neighbouring farmhouse and its outbuildings. Close by is St. Fillan's Holy Pool, which was blessed and said to cure insanity.

But before you reach the holy pool you visit the Strathfillan Wigwams a cool little camp site where we stocked up on some supplies and ofcourse Ice cream. We continued to follow the road and reached the battle site mentioned above and then the lochan that the weapons had allegedly been thrown in but it's fair to say we were tempted to investigate.

Not long later we were in Tyndrum welcomed by a little caravan site and single lane road we followed it to where we were staying. Got bathed, showered and went for food in TJs Diner a well deserved burger with cola. Finishing the night in a pub for a needed night cap with Matt across the road. The night was done...

20/07/2021

Day 2 - WHW Inversnaid to Beinglas Farm. 14 Miles-ish.

We left the bothy early bells after munching on some amazing nutritional protein bars. Hittimg Inversnaid hotel a few hours later we charged our phones and our bodies with some pepsi and lemonade.

Refilled our water bottles and made our way still continuing along the banks of Loch Lomond where it seemed very treacherous, luckily we knew this before we moved forward.

We took our time, manoeuvred carefully and reached a beach where a couple sat as their boat bounced on the water. We stopped for a moment, took in the views enjoyed the peace for a while before soldiering on. Along the way another bothy, a bit bigger than the last sits smack bang in the middle of a field, loch lomond standing behind it. We entered it and it had a large sleeping area, little fire place and a table where a book sat for those passing through to leave a message.

After sitting for a short while two English and an American lad came in and they were telling us a story about a tick on one of their guys bit and a tick on their arm, they also told us that they used pliers to remove said tick... but he never said which one...

We left almost immediately after that conversation and continued along the overgrown fern road climbed up a horrible hill in the sun and eventually we could see it in the distance.

We reached the sign and felt a sigh of relief, registered our presence and made camp before heading to chill in the bar.

At Beinglas Farm the staff were extraordinary, very friendly and well mannered. Will definitely be back.

Plus Connors rap in the kitchen made us giggle!

Not long after, we went to sleep.

18/07/2021

Day 1 - WHW Milngavie to Inversnaid just over 30 Miles...

We left Ayrshire later than we'd have liked at half 1ish on the long train. We arrived in Glasgow and the walking began... one minute we're in Scotland almost immediately we're shot back into 1960s New York which was interesting, a great set design for the upcoming Indiana Jones film we stopped and took some pictures as you do ofcourse. We had the time.

Arriving at Queen Street with a few minutes to spare, we were on the train... after making our way to Milngavie we stopped in at Greggs grabbed a pizza to give us some extra fuel as the journey began...

We were on our way... the views were stunning as we entered the countryside.

Stopped in at Drymen for food - having fish and chips and steak pie the plan was to boost on... A bothy situated close to Inversnaid was our target.

It was getting later and darker.

We continued along towards Rowardennan walking through the night. Stopping at the Ben Lomond car park for a break and we carried on making it to the bothy.