Another day, another unforgettable section of West Highland Way – And today included the famous Devil’s staircaseOne of the most emblematic and historical increases on the path.
This section really had everything: a steep mountain pass, combat planes that rise unexpectedly above, the wild deer hanging casually in the hotel parking lot and an adequate pub meal to finish the day. He Stoircase del Diablo West Highland Way The route may sound intimidating, but the climb was shorter and more manageable than I expected, and honestly, it was the unexpected moments that stood out the most. Warm sun. Easy conversation. And the airplanes rugen from behind the hills as something of a movie.
By the way, if you missed my blogs on day 1 or Day 9I would recommend checking them so you can continue from the beginning!
Quick summary of the 10th
Feeling currently: Grateful for the good weather and good people. A little burned by the sun, a little relaxed by the wind and strangely excited by that passport seal upside down.
3 good things that happened today:
- A trip back to the road from the sweetest place (thank you, Patsi!)
- Climb the devil’s staircase under blue skies, no clouds
- Combat jets cutting the sky just above our heads: surreal and unforgettable
- Tasty macarrones with cheese + bar jokes = ideal end for the day
Only the average hotel parking … with a deer that goes casually as if it were registering the night.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION Today’s path
Distance: ~ 9 miles / 14.5 km
Land: Gradual ascent on the devil’s ladder followed by a long and winding descent in Kinlochleven.
Notable views: Networks of deer in Kingshouse, the dramatic escalated by the devil’s staircase, the panoramic views of Glencoe, the combat planes above (!), And one of the highest waterfalls of Scotland.
Slow tomorrow, full belly
I woke up around 7 am after Another 10 -hour solid dream. I sleep better through the daughters, it is a dream. The breakfast was at 8 am in Cachaig Inn, and was ready for a complete Scottish break. So today I went to the continent of self -service: a croissant with raspberry jam and a krispies rice bowl with sliced banana. He hit the place in a simple and nostalgic way.
We reviewed the inn around 10 am (total: £ 240 for two nights), and we started walking along the small road that connects with the A82, waiting for a hitch back to the Kingshouse hotel to join the path. Two cars stopped almost immediately, which was incredibly friendly, but both directed the wrong address to Glencoe.
Finally, a lovely woman named Patsi stopped. We had a great conversation about travel, and she left us right at the Kingshouse Hotel. Before leaving, I went to the reception and asked if they could seal my Whw passport. The receptionist gave me the seal and let me do myself … what resulted in the only seal upside down in my book. My perfectionist brain stirred a bit, but hey, now it is part of the story.
Establishing my West Highland Way passport has become one of my little favorite paths of trails. It is such a simple joy: collecting memories, one seal at the same time.
Deer, demons and sun
When we left Kingshouse, we saw several deer, just hanging out in the hotel parking lot as if they had the place. Fully flashing for us. We take some photos and start the walk.
This section of path is known by the Devil’s staircase: the highest point in West Highland Way. It is an steep climb that feels iconic not only by name, but also for its history. The road was built in the 18th century by soldiers, and during hard winters, many died trying to cross these mountains in a brutal climate. Today, the sun was out and the skies were clear … but you could feel the weight of that story.
I was definitely feeling heat today, and for the first time, I regretted not packing shorts. Orion had his zipped patagonia pants, so he became shorts and was very jealous while sweating in my thick winter leggings.
The devil’s ladder seemed intimidating from below, but we reached the top in about 20 minutes. It was shorter than I expected, although still some routine. Wind at the top, but impressive views around it, some of the best on the entire path.
Uploading the devil’s staircase: the highest point in West Highland Way and definitely one of the most emblematic. Hot, sweaty and lover in each step.
Air shows and crispy sandwiches
We stopped for lunch at the top: sandwiches and homemade fries again. The wind got up while we ate, and my hands cooled quickly, so I threw myself on my gloves and kept walking to warm up.
The best surprise of the day? Three combat planes suddenly passed behind the mountains, flying super low and then turning to the sky. He felt like a private aerial show: noisy, wild and missing in seconds. It was an unexpected climax!
Welcome to Kinlochleven
We arrive at Kinlochleven around 4 pm and registered in our B&B for the night: Bank House. The owners, Stephen and Jayne, were absolutely lovely. You could immediately say how much pride they occupy in the place: it was impeccable, cozy and very well cared for. After a fast shower, we gave a short walk to see the sixth highest cascade of Scotland, a few minutes from the B&B. There is even an climbing route via Ferrata next to her (although it is only private access), and it seemed intense. It is definitely not something that I would be addressing after walking all day!
Back in the city, we talked with some friendly locals who recommended Highland’s getaway for dinner, and they were right. The atmosphere was super relaxed and cozy, with dining tables hidden directly in the bar. He felt like the type of place where everyone knows each other. He had the macaroni with cheese, Orion went for the meat cake and they both gave the place after the long descent of the devil’s staircase.
The next morning, Stephen and Jayne served an incredible homemade breakfast. We take Stephen with their diving adventures (they have a serious experience!), Such a great and unexpected conversation to have eggs and coffee. Only another reminder of how many incredible people you know along the way.
We read a little in bed that night and, of course, we went to sleep early. The record streak of 10 -hour nights continues.
He arrived in Kinlochleven and registered at the Bo B&B house, cozy, calm and just a short walk of a massive waterfall. Stephen and Jayne were such friendly and cozy hosts, they could not have asked for a better place to land after a great day.
Our room for the night, simple, clean and exactly what the tired feet needed after climbing the devil’s staircase.
One last stop before the finish line
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