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I had a restless night. I suspect it’ll take me some time to get used to sleeping in a bed again once all this is over. Good news though. All my devices were charged, all clothes were clean(ish) and dry. Even better news. Sophie had caught her bus and should arrive by 8:15.

Her bus pulled in just as I walked towards the stop. Sophie looked the part, the only issue, possibly a major issue, being her left shoe, borrowed from her sister (she borrowed the right one as well, but it was fine). The sole was coming away. I hoped that glue and tape would hold it together for two days. Time would tell.

After a fortifying breakfast we set off for Invermoriston, 7 1/2 miles away. If we managed this easily, we could try the more scenic high routes which offered the best camping opportunities, and still make it to Inverness on time for Sophie to catch her plane home.

Sophie smashed it. We arrived in Invermoriston in super quick time, despite walking past a (very badly signposted) turning which added 2 miles to our journey. We had a quick pint at the pub (to be truthful I had two), further repairs on Sophie’s shoes and then walked a short distance to a café for lunch.

It was a great café. I had vegetable soup followed by a wild salmon salad. At the next table was an exuberant looking young man. He was walking from John O’Groats to Land’s End. Unusually, possibly uniquely, he was carrying a guitar with him.  Guitar Jack and I swapped stories, as you do. In particular, he mentioned an amazing café in the forest which we should walk by tomorrow. Jack ordered an enormous slice of cake and went on his way. Likewise, we set off to take the high route to Drumnadrochit. 

We steadily climbed up a long steep hill for a couple of miles to reach a viewing platform at the top. The climb had been worth it. A few miles of up and down and another steep hill later we arrived at another spot with an excellent view of Loch Ness. It was a fine place to wild camp. While it was relatively early and would mean extra walking tomorrow, we decided to stop. Camping with a view was at the top of Sophie’s wish list and if we continued down the mountain we’d be unlikely to find anything as good.

Sophie didn’t stop there and went off in search of firewood. Unfortunately, the fire didn’t take hold. The wood was too damp and too green.

We called it a night. The aim tomorrow was to walk 24 miles leaving just four into Inverness.

Day Summary

Sophie the speedster. Sophie the firestarter. Top tips from Guitar Jack.