Fort William

Day One: Aug 25, 2023

Our journey from Peterborough to Fort William in Scotland was a marathon ten-hour train ride, bringing us to this Highland gem just shy of midnight. Exhausted but excited, we had planned to wild camp – one of the unique freedoms Scotland offers with its open access laws. But with the rain beginning to pour and no clear camping spot in sight, our first night turned into a true adventure.

We wandered around Fort William's outskirts in the dark, becoming increasingly drenched as the rain intensified. Finally, we came across a small wooded area near a residential neighbourhood that seemed as good a place as any to set up camp. Just as we were settling in, the unmistakable beams of a police torch flickered nearby – it seemed our late-night wanderings had attracted some attention! Thankfully, after a quick look around, they left, and we breathed a sigh of relief.

In the early hours of the morning, around 3 a.m., our sleep was interrupted by the sounds of late-night revelers. Holding our breath, we waited nervously as they passed without noticing our makeshift camp. By dawn, with only a few hours of rest, we packed up and were rewarded by our first view of Fort William’s breathtaking scenery: we had unknowingly camped near a beautiful loch, and the misty morning light revealed the rugged beauty surrounding us.

As daylight broke, we headed to the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre, ready to begin our journey through the Scottish Highlands. With a warm cup of tea in hand, we reflected on our first night – a true Highland adventure that we’d never forget.