Our walk started off with a wee jaunt along the verge of the A82. Why this road section does not have either a reduced speed limit or a pavement escapes me as you’re literally taking your life in your hands in order to access Forest Lodge, the Great Glen Hostel, or even a bus stop! At points the verge is really narrow and with double lines in the middle of the road some drivers seem very reluctant to cross them meaning that all sorts of heavy traffic is passing at far too close proximity for safety or liking. All it takes is one slip and given the numbers of people walking the route on a daily basis it’s only a matter of time! Bear Scotland, time to sort this out!
Onto a lighter note …
Alpacas
These cute wee beasties live by the hostel. They reminded me of teddy bears and I’d happily have taken one (or more) home with me!
South Laggan
Rejoining the Great Glen Way path where we’d left it last night, we walked back through the forest initially.
We then picked up the canal path once again.
Invergarry Spur
We were diverted onto the Invergarry Link, a route that we previously would not have done, due to the Loch Oich path being closed. It transpired that this was a worthwhile and very scenic diversion. Another diversion further along gave us a tiny shortcut, our day still coming in at just over 20 miles.
We followed single track trails and crossed through a field, all more interesting than walking through trees on the loch side in my opinion and with no midges in sight!
We crossed the River Garry, walked through the village and then headed up into the forest once again.
It was beautifully cool and still in the forest. I loved this tree, beautiful to see how nature reclaims its own.
Having climbed up from Invergarry, we continued along good tracks for a time. This made for easy walking; in fairness, nothing today was too challenging.
A mile or two from Fort Augustus, there’s a swing bridge. Bruce commented that it was the fastest I’d moved all week as I ran along to see the boats having spotted the flashing red lights and traffic at a standstill. I was rewarded by the sight of a couple of boats heading north.
We were further rewarded a bit further along when a lock keeper shared that a tall ship was on the way up the locks at Fort Augustus.
We didn’t have enough time to make it along to see it in the locks, but were able to admire this beautiful ship as it slowly made its way past.
After this, all that was left was a walk into Fort Augustus where we stopped for coffee at a great café (Ripples), also enjoying a delicious cheese scone with chutney, carrot cake and lemon blondie. That set us up for the next leg of the journey. My only complaint was that there weren’t any boats passing through the locks over this time, but you can’t have everything!
Sun’s Out (and we’ve got our hats on)!
The heat really got up over lunchtime as the sun was out big time! Sitting outside, we both opted for sunhats, Bruce due to a follicular challenge, me due to vitiligo and a propensity to burning however insignificant the sun may be.
Leaving Fort Augustus, we were grateful of the shelter provided by the trees for a short time.
We’ll Tak’ The High Road
Faced with the choice of high or low route, it’s a no-brainer for us. We’d both go high any day!
The track was good, thankfully, as it went up and up and up! The gradient was made easier by a winding path. Part way up a few jets flew overhead to provide a bit of excitement. There were also some small waterfalls, indicative of the elevation gain.
When we came out of the trees, the path continued to rise. Indeed it felt like we were ascending forever, but the views were definitely worth it.
You’re never getting views like this from the lochside!
Finally, having climbed across and up for what seemed like a long time, we began our descent towards Invermoriston. The forest here had been completely cut back and it was odd heading so steeply down with no trees. On a bike I think it would need somewhat terrifying as there are no trees to run into to break the fall should you miss a turn!
Once onto the minor road we could taste the beer! We stopped to answer a question asked by some tourists, wanting to know how far they had to walk to get a view of the lochs. We told them about Walk Highlands website and shared a few other suggestions before bidding them farewell.
A Spot of Rain?
Oh if only we hadn’t stopped. There was a spot of rain, then another, before the heavens opened completely! We moved very quickly to get some shelter from the trees, pretty much running across the bridge (not bad with 20 miles in the legs) and got quite wet just running across the car park to the hotel. The rain really was dinging down!
Refreshed, we headed back to our B & B, having stood under cover at the hotel door to let yet another ninja shower pass over. Our lodgings for the night, Craik Na Dav B & B were ideally situated and to make Bruce’s day there was even a wee dram in the room!
Fed, watered, and very much ready for bed! Only two days left to walk.
Clare, happiest outdoors! 