Today I had a great day out, walking to the Lost Valley and back, in Glencoe. My friend Lorna and I planned it a while back… and we were going to do it last weekend, but plans changed for both of us, and this weekend was it instead.

Lorna came and collected me at 8am and we made the two hour journey up to Glencoe. We parked up and before we knew it, the forecast rain started. But we were prepared. I’d decided I’d wear shorts as (my) skin is waterproof 😂… and I brought a good waterproof and cap to keep the rain out and out of my eyes.

We started the walk, and when we went down the steep metal steps I remembered the route and knew we were on the right track. Glencoe and that part of Scotland is so amazing and today didn’t disappoint. And even despite the weather and heavy rain, there were still plenty of walkers out on the route.

We went down on the route and then started to climb a bit… up some technical parts, but all in all, the route was good, up beside a heavy flowing river.

There’s a part where there’s a level bit with a massive rock, and where the route crosses the river. We made it across fine, although the water was pretty deep, there are some conveniently placed large rocks to help.

I could tell that we both felt quite pleased with ourselves for crossing the river fans not falling in or getting too wet). Then up a bit more… and before we knew it we were in the Lost Valley. We stopped overlooking the valley, got a few layers on and ate our packed lunches. (Excuse my hat head hair!)

The chat was flowing well, and eventually the rain went off… then came the midges…. It was maybe 15-18’C and not sunny… but probably ideal conditions for the midges once the rain went off.

After we ate, we went back down the route and met some more walkers on our way. It was certainly busier than the last time I did it with Fit Girl… so maybe it’s become more popular recently. The river crossing is a just though.

I came home and dried off and had a good nap, finishing off a good weekend.

My training for the last week was a good balance of rest and activity,,. plenty of waking including about 2.5 hours today, and 4.3km on Wednesday… 2 runs, 1 workout and 1 big swim (and two rest days).

Here’s my training in detail for last week, an ent training plan for next week:

What a great place our country Scotland is, eh? Even in the rain!