16/08/2026
Today, rather than another sad post, we want to do something that we think Robert would have appreciated far more — celebrate him. ❤️
Last week, we very suddenly lost our wonderful friend Robert Marshall.
Robert wasn't just a familiar face at Blackwater; he and his family have been part of our Blackwater family for many years.
And if there was one place Robert was happiest, it was out there on the West Highland Way.
And he certainly knew it well...
107 times. 🥾
One hundred and six complete walks of the West Highland Way — an incredible achievement and a record that says so much about the man himself.
But Robert was so much more than a number or a record.
He absolutely loved his family, they were a huge part of his life and he spoke about them with such pride and affection. He had a brilliant sense of humour, was incredibly humble, hating a fuss, appreciated the simplicity in things, loved keeping himself active and was always looking forward — to the next walk, the next adventure, the next thing to enjoy.
He was also an amazingly talented photographer & artist, another side of Robert that showed just how much creativity and passion he had for life.
Robert suffered a heart attack while out walking last week, doing exactly what he loved most — walking the West Highland Way. There is something strangely comforting in knowing that his final day was spent outdoors, on the trail that had given him so many happy memories over the years.
We've read so many lovely messages about Robert over the past week, and they show just how many lives he touched. But today we don't want to focus on his passing.
We want to celebrate 107 West Highland Ways. The thousands upon thousands of miles. The incredible artwork. The stories. The laughs. The friendships. The adventures. The family he loved so very much. The familiar face coming through our doors again and again. And a life that was very clearly well walked and well lived. ❤️
Robert, you were truly one of a kind, and it was an absolute privilege to call you our friend.
The West Highland Way simply won't be quite the same without you on it.
But there's one thing we know for certain...
You would have absolutely hated the thought of number 108 being left unfinished! ❤️🥾.
Robert was never one for looking backwards — so neither will we. So, when the time is right, his family and those of us lucky enough to call him our friend will return to the West Highland Way and finish those remaining miles for him.
Because after completing it 107 times, there's no way we're letting Robert leave 108 unfinished.
So here's to Robert Marshall — 107 complete West Highland Ways, an incredible talent, a wonderful sense of humour, a much-loved family man and friend, and one final journey that we'll finish together.
Rest easy, Robert. Your walking boots have certainly earned it, we'll get you to Fort William one last time. 💛
....and knowing you, you'll probably be wondering what took us so long
