WHW Day 2: Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse

Daily Miles: 12.0, Total Miles: 19.0

More rain during the night and early morning so another wet day.

After another full Scottish breakfast, we headed off, first crossing the Bridge of Orchy. This is also where the old military road crossed the river Orchy. This river reportedly has good salmon fishing.

A short climb got us to the moorland and eventually misty views over Loch Tulla. On the descent, we passed by the Inveroran Hotel that dates back to 1707. Crossed a few bridges and walked along the old Parliamentary Road, still with a good surface mostly of set stones. The path led us up through Scotts pines to the wilderness of Rannoch Moor. 50 square miles of peat bogs and lochans, but the old road kept our feet mostly dry.

On the descent we got our first views of a stunning mountain named Buachaille Etive Mor. Passed by the Gencoe Ski Center and one of the most photographed buildings in Scotland, the tiny whitewashed Black Rock Cottage.

A short while later we arrived at the Kings House Hotel which originally dates back to the 17th century. We warmed up by the large fireplace, talked to some fellow hikers and enjoyed a few beverages and snacks before catching a ride to Kinlochleven. We will return to Kings House tomorrow morning and hike back to Kinlochleven.

After checking into our B&B, we walked around this town on the eastern end of Loch Leven. Kinlochleven was originally known for its industrial heritage, with a now-closed aluminum smelter powered by a local hydroelectric scheme.

We eventually settled on a pizza and ale dinner at a nearby hotel/pub.