Plate G2.no6: West Highland Way (near Bridge of Orchy [Scotland])

This picture was taken on my first major trek, the West Highland Way, May 2016.*
This stretch of the route, near Bridge of Orchy, crosses the Rannoch Moor. We – my friend Harvey and I – were lucky – the weather was fine. Nevertheless, we walked with a degree of urgency; it is a barren place – there is no shelter anywhere……
Though focused forwards, the picture was taken looking back. Why I turned, I don’t know – maybe because, feelings at the time were complicated: of being followed and/or accompanied, yet also feeling totally abandoned.
I do know what provoked such feelings, a combination of both place and grief. But despite these vague anxieties, I adore this picture. Looking back re-assured me somehow, seeing the path levelled, and the solitary cloud accompaniment……

*E Books – A Walkers Diary (Vol 3)/ E Books – Trek Reflections (WHW 2016