Shortly before stopping for a coffee break, I came across some substantial road widening work a few miles east of my start point, and chatted to the project manager for a few minutes whilst some large machinery was blocking the road.
I'd previously noted a 'Victoria Falls' on the map, and decided to aim for there for lunch as there's a picnic site too. The weather was closing in somewhat, so any thought of lunch at a table was put aside in favour of a tree! The falls were in full flow, following good few days of rain
Alfred Wainwright, the well known author of many books about Lake District walks, once said 'There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.' Today's continued rain certainly tested my waterproofs to the limit, likewise the ground of the small campsite in my day's destination, Kinlochewe. Sadly, the pitch was waterlogged or nearly so, and with other accommodation including the bunkhouse and B&Bs all full, my options were more than limited. I called ahead to the Youth Hostel where I am due to be tomorrow (thinking I could walk there, at a push this evening) but it was full.
A phone call to the local church minister, then to the Elder... could I please sleep in the church? Thankfully, yes, and within a few minutes I was installed in the church hallway complete with heating. It now resembles a hostel drying room, but I am safe and warm with a roof over my head. Many thanks to Colin, Alan and Patricia from the Free Church of Scotland in Kinlochewe for their hospitality.
Tomorrow's weather doesn't look much better but the forecast is improving. I am booked into the youth hostel at Torridon for two nights from tomorrow, including this week's rest day, and then several other hostels next week in the run up to returning to Bristol at the end of next week.
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