Day 1 - Strathcarron to Bearneas Bothy

We are all snugged up in our tent just before eight o’clock tonight. Outside it is rainy and windy, and the temperature is about five degrees and falling…

Snug As two Bugs In A Rug

Today went pretty much according to plan. Joyce had breakfast ready for us when we came downstairs just before 7:00. After breakfast Joyce and Allan gave us a lift back to Perth train station for our journey to Strathcarron.  

Thank You So Much, Joyce And Allan ❤️

As always we enjoyed the scenery between cat naps all the way to Inverness, and then Strathcarron. As we got off the train we noticed a handful of similarly dressed individuals with similar-looking backpacks. We all headed to the Strathcarron Hotel to sign out. We had a nice visit with James from Suffolk and Neil from London, who are starting their walk tomorrow morning. After a cider for me and a Diet Coke for Mandy, we filled our water bottles and were on our way.

Thatchers Cider On Tap 😁

On Our Way!!

As with other crossings the first few steps are exhilarating, as the nerves go away (JM) and the views immediately hit you in the face. 

Heading Out From Strathcarron

First Few Steps

First Gate Of The Trip

For the most part we were on trail the whole way, although the quality of the trail varied quite a bit, and even disappeared periodically. Despite that, I think we were quite fortunate. Amanda may disagree though, considering she got tripped up twice and fell pretty much flat on her face, once scorpion style. 😱 She is a machine though, and dusted herself off both times as we kept pushing forward.

At one point we stopped for a little snack. Joyce had given us a care package this morning and I had a feeling there was some Scottish tablet, so I couldn’t help myself!! Not only had she put in the tablet, but we also found two little bottles of whiskey, and a lipstick for Mandy!! This is an inside joke from the very first moment we saw Joyce emerge from her tent with silk scarf and full lipstick, on that fateful night at Geldie Burn during TGOC 2017. 🤣 What a kind and thoughtful gift, Joyce. Thank you so much!!!! ❤️

There were two tents already pitched when we got to the bothy. Duncan (third crossing) and Charlie (second crossing) gave us a warm welcome. They are cousins and are both from southern England. We had a very enjoyable chat while preparing and eating dinner. They may pop up in future blog posts as we figured out they are doing an almost identical route as us, and we will likely be seeing them again. Later on Jessica (second crossing) from Netherlands showed up and joined us. She has decided to sleep in the bothy (with the mice)….

It’s bound to be a cold night, my hands are getting cold, and I am a little tired so it’s time for bed now. Mandy has been fighting with her sleeping setup for twenty minutes, and has finally settled. 🤣 Thanks for reading, everybody!!!


Day 1 Route - 9.5 km, 488 m ascent