Blog

The day started early as I was woken about 4:30 by thunderstorms on the mountain. The storms brought cool air which swept away the humidity and was very welcome. Although I kept my tent firmly closed, given the rain, I could hear the Highland Way runners passing by still.

While rain was forecast for most of the day I wasn’t too concerned. I had only 20 miles or so to walk, most of it straightforward and hoped to arrive a bit earlier, particularly with an early start. I was also looking forward to going north of Fort William on the Great Glen Way along Loch Ness. Once north of Fort William, everything would be new to me. I was keen to get going and see it all.

Just as I finished packing my tent, there they were again, Sarah and a few minutes later, Grace. They decided to cook their breakfast away from the midges at the top of the hill. I headed off, but assumed I would bump into them again.

The walk down the glen was beautiful despite the rain. I was dry, perfectly happy and making good if not spectacular progress. By about 9:30, shortly after the information sign about the battle of Inverlochy, I arrived at a point where a small winding road provided an alternative to completing the walk to Fort William over the West Highland Way. The road would save 2 miles and as I had walked the way three times I decided to take the road instead. I was joined by Sarah and Grace. Grace had blisters a bad knee and was soldiering on but was looking forward to curling up in her bed back in Edinburgh. 

Grace and I walked the road together as Sarah had forged on ahead. These marathon runners have unlimited amounts of energy. The road was not straightforward with steep climbs and descents. However, Grace and I made it into Fort William at 11:55 just in time for lunch. 

We all ate well as the rain continued to pour and at 1:30 I said my final goodbyes and began to walk the Great Glen Way.

The walk to Gairlochy took me 10 miles along the Caledonian Canal. I was blessed with a little light rain but lots of sun and was able to dry my tent en route. There were many highlights. As well as the Munro’s that loomed on all sides, there was Neptune’s Staircase, a set of nine locks built by Thomas Telford, narrow boats, marinas and the bridge at Moy, accompanied by a rainbow. 

I arrived at Gairlochy at 6 o’clock and set up my tent at the free rough camping site by a set of locks. Gairlochy is a tiny place, with no pubs or shops. I made last-minute arrangements to meet with Sophie at Fort Augustus and settled down to write my blog. A very relaxing evening all around, followed by a very early night.

Day Summary:

A final goodbye to Sarah and Grace. The Great Glen Way begins with a bang. Sophie is coming. Scotland awaits.