All Good Things...

And that was us. Suddenly that was our last morning in the tent, and we were packing up for the last time. It was easy: we worked quickly and quietly, packing our bags with ease, knowing exactly what would fit in and where. The day dawned bright and nice, and we had an easy 17km to walk. Nothing too strenuous, and actually that was just as well as my feet were bad and Joey's knee was suffering. We'd nearly used all our painkillers but we'd get there. 

​We visited the waterfall of the Abhainn Loch an Nid and while my photographer brother took photos, Joey and I sat and dangled our feet over the precipice. A moment of calm which was very appreciated. My feet needed time to warm up before the pain relaxed and Joey's knee was still giving him gip. Time would be the healer, but time we did not have. 

​Later, walking along the path next to the burn, the woodland of the Creag a Chadha Bhriste was sparse but lovely. The landscape opened up into a flatter plain, where tough Highanders grazed. A bothy, Achneigie, is located just off the path, and we originally planned on staying at the bothies, but with the uncertain situation around C19, didn't want to risk it. Our tent brought so much joy that there was no regret. 

The geology of the land we've visited has been endlessly fascinating and I would still love to find out more. The change from glen to glen, or even within very short distances, was fascinating. Smooth pale rocks, to dark, jaggedy - the variety was huge. Waterfalls brightened the rough landscape, and seeing Eas Ban full of water was a sight for tired eyes. The day was characterised by good paths. The wide track was great and in most places allowed us to walk three abreast, as we passed under the shadow of An Teallach. In our original plan, we'd fancied going up more. But walking day after day with 15kg packs was enough. It was perfect. It was us. 

We sat and had lunch while watching another waterfall. Last day of oatcakes and cheese and I wouldn't miss this. But after that all too soon we were finished. Done. Without fanfare, we passed through a gate, went down a small path and there was the car: we were finished. Perhaps we felt finished in more ways than one. Our bodies were tired and sore, feet and knee painful. It was time for home. 

​After that things moved quickly. My brother drove us into Ullapool (none of us had wanted to walk along the busy A835), and Joey and I checked into the hotel where we were staying. We relaxed, had some drinks, had a fantastic meal in The Seaforth including gluten free fish and chips (hooray!) and that was us. My brother headed off, and we had an early night. 

​The next day we took the marvellous ferry across to Stornoway, before flying home from there. A tired day, but arriving back home was perfect. A time to rest and relax. Take stock. Appreciate all we've experienced and try to store those memories in a special place. 

The trip was utterly wonderful, and I've really enjoyed looking back through my notes and writing up this report. So many memories came flooding back. The toads in the light from the street lamps. The frogs on the hill. The newt that we found, the eagles we saw. The glens, all with their own unique character and personality. The water - tumbling, energetic, joyful - and the rain. There were hard times, but wonderful times. We talked, sang, joked, laughed. And I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I'd make sure not to change walking boots just before going, and ensure Joey's knee was in good health, but other than that it was amazing. Wonderful. If you've ever wondered if you can do a long-distance trek, yes you can! 

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We walked from south to north, each colour signifies a different day, except the pink of day 6 is the train journey, and the black is the bit we walked.