Much like Scott of the Antartic found to his cost, a good old British stiff upper lip wasn't quite enough to conquer the elements.

Five days of snow, sleet and rain had throughly soaked me (and everything I was carrying) so despite the considerable achievement of having successfully crossed the Black Mount and that awful, never ending expanse of nothing which they call Rannoch Moor, it was clear that I was starting to develop hypothermia. This trip was over.

I descended down off the moor and waited by the road for one of the three daily buses that service the Fort William - Glasgow route. I'd already missed the first one and, rather unpromisingly, the second one flew past me at approximately 60mph.

I waited huddled by the road, shivering, cursing and laughing, possibly symptoms of a dangerous drop in body temperature, possibly because there was nothing else to do sitting under a mist shrouded Buchaille Etive Mor in torrential rain.

The last bus, appearing from the sheets of rain and mist like a miracle, did stop thankfully (the driver having noted my bedraggled nature) and I would live to see my beloved Sonic Youth back catalogue once again.

I made 75 heroic miles but unfortunately the last 25 were beyond me.

But I tell you this, when my gear dries out and all my injuries heal, I'll be back out there, yes sir, back out there - Glen Coe, you've not seen the last of me, not by a long way - not by a long way!

Here's a few pictures, from my ill fated trip.


The forest floors were carpeted with Bluebells.


One of the Arrochar Alps


The Cobbler


Desolation Road


Tyndrum hills


The quite impressive Beinn Dorain


The forestry path desends towards Crianlarich at the foot of Ben More[/url]

HE'S ALIVE!

And awesome pictures.

tremendous pictures.

HE LIVES!!! Beautiful photos, Darrin...I remember those bluebells from last year. They're absolutely gorgeous when there are so many covering the ground.

I'm sorry you weren't able to complete your trip, but damn it, you made a pretty good hike of it! I am very proud of you. So, tell us...what sort of injuries did you incur? What was the most memorable part of your journey? The worst? Did you encounter any wildlife? Ever sleep outdoors? Meet any highland pub honeys? Did any of them wish to keep you warm?

Tell us more! Tell us all.

looks scary.
glad you're safe and warm.

Glad you got the wind and rain off your back. now enjoy the safety and comforts of the modern life.

nice. I want to go to the Highlands. I also want to visit all of the Hebrides (only been to three).

That's one part of Scotland I'm determined to visit the next time I go.

Injuries? Obviously my feet are completely fucked. I have lots of cuts on my hands from rock holds (some sections, especially on Loch Lomond were very tough and required clinging on for dear life) and my back is pretty sore from lugging a 45lb rucksack around for five days - making the ascents with it on were not especially pleasant.

The most memorable part was the section walking up Glen Falloch. It had snowed the previous night and the scenary was outstanding with superb snow covered mountains on each side. Even the hail storm couldn't waste it.

The worst part was almost (probably) dying. On Day Two the path (which was pretty rugged and rough to start with) narrowed to a 6 inch rocky ledge, about 4 yards long and with a 30 foot drop below. I got about half way across and I just got The Fear. I clung on to the rock face and gashed my hand. I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do next but I knew I wasn't going any further out so I slowly walked backward off the ledge, very slowly indeed. Carrying a big pack in those sort of circumstances doesn't much help your balance. It was really scary and I definately felt like I was going to fall and die at any moment. I got off the ledge however and went off the trail and climbed over the rocky slab ledge from the top rather than going across it. That wasn't easy either, I can tell you and it took a while but there was no way I was going back on the ledge.

Excluding lots of species of birds, I didn't see much wildlife. I came across some Mountain Goats, which was a little worrying since they have big horns but they didn't seem especially bothered by me and wandered off in a slightly disinterested fashion.

I didn't sleep outdoors (it was close to or actually below freezing most nights) but I did sleep here...



which was possible worse than sleeping outside.

Any women I met had much the same reaction as the mountain goats. I did share a bunkroom with two Dutch backpackers (one of whom was gorgeous) but alas, the most risque it got was the occassional glance of their thermal pyjamas.



Mountain goats, John Darnielle not pictured.

Beautiful pictures. I plan to visit Scotland in the next year and can hardly wait. I don't think I'll be doing anything nearly that dangerous though.

The goat on the right looks like it's pooping.

Glad you're back, D. Great pix.

Did ye mend the shed?

I thought Scots weren't Brits.

I didn't even know Britain was 100 miles long.

Glad you're safe.

I hiked up Snowdon in Wales when i was younger. My parents used to buy this weekly hiking guide (eith inserts) that we'd follow through the countryside of England. I didn't love them at the time but i'm glad my parents made me go on all those day trips.

Well done, you maniac.

i'm so jealous mang...it looks awesome.

if i can put some cash together this fall i may come up to scotland...i'd love to go somewhere like that.

WHOA.

That is so dug.

And wait until he tells you what happened while he was waiting for the bus!

[img][500:325]http://www.oomu.org/images/totoro/totorokasa.jpg[/img]

Jesus, those pictures are incredible. How the hell did you even know which way you were going???

but what about the scotch? lagavulin? Dalwhinnie? say it ain't so, Obnerbrother...no scotch tastings?

Nah, I get hungover pretty easy these days and you need your wits about you on the trail.

A few more pics and then I'll quit boring you all with holiday snaps


Loch Lomond


Arrochar


Gorge at the top of Loch Lomond


I think this is my favourite picture. It looks like a painting. Looking down Glen Falloch from the hill track.


Following the telephone poles down to the village of Bridge of Orchy. The Black Mount provides the background.


Just to prove it's not always idyllic. The last photo I took, driving rain on Rannoch Moor yesterday.

Very cool, DF! Glad you made it home to share tales of your intrepid travels. You should host a show on OLN or something.

I, and Blues Traveler, are so disappointed that this is not titled "The Mountain Wins Again."