After walking for 18 days I was finally approaching a town, Fort William. I was looking forward to finding somewhere to stay and sleeping in a comfy bed.
Thursday 4th August 2016
This was a long flat walk into Fort William, mostly along the Caledonian Canal. Although it should have been easy, it was exhausting because I was already tired, plus it was further than I thought. I picked up a couple of chocolate bars on the way at the Cameron Clan museum.
As I approached Fort William I had first phone signal in days, and even Internet – I discovered the accommodation was all booked up.
This was really frustrating. It was high tourist season, and the nearest vacant accommodation was miles away from the town. I wasn’t the only one to assume I could just roll up and find somewhere to stay – many people were walking into the Tourist Information Centre looking for accommodation only to be directed to a camping shop to buy a tent. Although I had been used to sleeping in rough conditions, I had assumed I’d get a proper rest from that at Fort William. I was really knackered and just wanted to settle somewhere, but now I’d have to tramp around for a bit longer.
Nevertheless I walked into town, bought a pizza, then went to sit in library followed by Mac + Cheese at Morrisons cafe. Finally went to camp site 2 miles away in Glen Nevis.
Distance: 20.2 miles [view on map]
Spending: £55
Mood: 🙂 -> 🙁 -> 😐