West Highland Way, Why?

We decided to walk the West Highland Way in memory of a truly wonderful man, Hugh Carroll.  Hugh sadly passed away in December 2012, totally unexpectedly.  Hugh was Gill and Martin's dad, Gerard's uncle and my father in law.  Hugh loved to be outside and many years ago had walked the West Highland Way, among other walks.  It was an honour for all of us to walk the route, knowing we were walking in his footsteps and retracing a path he had once breezed along.  The stick with the carved head you can see in some of the photos was a present which was due to be given to Hugh but sadly he never recieved.  It was important to all of us that the stick was carried along the way to completion. Hugh was a great supporter of the charity Water for Life which is the reason for this charity being selected to raise funds.  Some of us had previously made a failed, 4 day attempt to complete the way which ended in Martin collapsing into a bush, on the first day.  Hugh, being the dutiful father came to pick us up from Balmaha and I think he laughed, just about all the way home, at our expense.  I know Hugh would be proud that we all completed the walk on this occasion and i'm sure he was looking down watching over us as we did it.  We all miss you Hugh.

Martin laying a stone at the top of the Devil's staircase for Hugh