Day 84 of the End to End in 2019 was the final section of the Three Lochs Way from Arrochar to Inveruglas, and a beautiful walk. After a ‘rest and be thankful’ day the previous day I was ready for some more uphill walking, which was just as well. I was the first member of our family to walk this section and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Taking it at my own pace, which is slowly, I had plenty of time to enjoy the views and the wildlife.
After some uphill, the downhill section was signalled by the change in direction of the electricity power lines, also going downhill. Sloy power station was at the loch side at the bottom of the hill. It wasn’t a very busy walk, with most people on the Sloy side, where there were also some young cattle. Bob came up the path to meet me and we walked down to Inveruglas information centre.
In the Three Lochs Way guide book it reminds the walker not to forget to sign the achievement book. Eighty-four days walking seemed quite an achievement so I was happy to comply. Initially the book could not be found. I had an ice cream instead. Having unearthed the book from somewhere or another, it was bought out to me. I got excited about adding my name to those who had gone before me. Mine was the first name in the book.
I’m not usually first at much. I’m no athlete and whilst proud of my many achievements in various fields most are not in the sort of categories that get you widely noticed. As a woman I’ve done a few firsts: I was the first female chaplain at the school I served, for example. I’ve researched some other first, many women ministers, some of them recorded in the book Daughters of Dissent.
It felt good to have this achievement under my belt. I’d still got quite a long way to go after all, and any boost, whether uphill or down, was welcome. The countryside was still encouraging me and with the West Highland Way beckoning me I was now ready for the Highlands.
From the remembered bible, psalm 46: Be still and know that I am God
God of stillness and of chaos,
as alike to you as night and day,
I love the still places and the whirring energetic ones.
Seeking a balanced life in your company,
I give thanks for knowing both
and being with you.
JAL 08.07.2020 in Longdendale.