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I woke later than I expected and set off, partially invigorated by a Firepot apple porridge, towards Fort Augustus. 

The walk began with a charming meander around the imaginatively titled Loch Lochy. There were several bathing spots by the loch, perfect in the mid afternoon sunshine, but not before 9 o’clock in the morning.

There was then some walking along minor roads and a curious forest school, which also advertised the sale of venison. I wondered whether pupils were schooled in the shooting of deer.

After that, the walk became a little more mundane with a long tramp through pine forest along forestry tracks with no view to speak of on either side. The restorative effect of the porridge had worn off and I had misjudged my supplies. All I had was a Crunchie bar and a banana that a kind soul had left along the wayside.

Shortly before arriving at the halfway point, at Laggan Locks, I saw a sign about an honesty box located “300 metres up the hill at the next cattle grid”. I decided that the reward was well worth the risk and climbed the steep hill with fingers crossed. I arrived at Balnaglaster Farm and found the box in question. It was a delightful set up. As well as the box itself, beautifully painted, there was a nice seat where I rested while eating an enormous slab of millionaire shortbread and drinking orange juice and a can of Fanta. I took a second slab of the shortbread with me and headed onwards feeling a great deal better. I really can’t emphasise enough what a godsend it is to find such treasures in remote places.

Lagan Locks was pretty and the path then crossed to the eastern side of Loch Oich for the walk into Fort Augustus. This walk was much better with clear views of the loch, a variety of mature trees and a path that wound around close to the loch. There were many grassy areas which would have made fabulous wild camping spots if I didn’t have a date tomorrow with Sophie at Fort Augustus. 

Sophie wanted scenic views where we could wild camp, which I had just done 3 days running. I was low on power, my clothes needed a wash and so did I. I booked myself into a guest house at Fort Augustus so I could sort myself out.

Walking into Fort Augustus, an extremely pretty town that I will definitely visit again, I passed several locks, saw boats galore and enjoyed myself immensely.

I arrived just before 7 o’clock, washed everything in sight, put all my devices on to charge and headed off to the Boathouse restaurant on the shore of Loch Ness. The Boathouse served me halloumi cheese, a fabulous lamb casserole with tsatziki and baclava with ice cream. I was a very happy man.

Walking back to my guesthouse I passed a very grand building called the Highland Club. I imagined Boris Johnson lookalikes with shotguns, dressed in kilts, zooming out of the gates in battered old landrovers taking pot shots at random people just because they could. It was time to get an early night.

Day Summary

Apple porridge, baclava with ice cream. Spending too much time in my own company?