Travels with Robert and Sue, Gonzo-style: November 2017

7 days. 120 kms. and here is the elevation map. First 60 kms. quite flat along the Caledonian Canal to Fort Augustus, then up, up, UP we go overlooking Loch Ness for the next 60 kms.

DAY 1- FORT WILLIAM TO GAIRLOCHY- 20 KMS.

Above, view to Fort William's Main Street from the Hostel front entrance.

Below, nice to see a hanging basket start to the GGW (Great Glen Way)

Above, a welcome sight...my first fish and chips of 2017, Scottish style!
Below, revisiting the end of the West Highland Way in Fort William, ended here in 2015 in pouring rain....

Hiking Scottish buddies, Ian, Penny and Robin. We've done 3 long walks together: West Highland Way in 2015, Rob Roy Way in 2016 and now the Great Glen Way along Loch Ness.

Steam engine and train with Ben Nevis in background....

Looking back along the GGW and the castle foundations near Fort William...was this where Randall hung out in Outlander?

A very pretty coo.....safely behind an electric fence.

Private yacht....

Beautiful Caledonia Canal.....1803-1807 and still so functional. Designed and built by Telford.

Neptune's Staircase....

So GOOD to be together again, walking these beautiful Scotland landscapes....always love seeing these dear people enjoy a good chuckle!

Geology lesson.....slide this picture to the right to see the rest of the information.

After the 19.68 kms. walk, Our B&B hostess drove us to Spean Bridge for a very welcome dinner, about 4 kms. away. I enjoyed a vegetarian lasagna.

The essential reward....'nuff said!!

DAY 2- GAIRLOCHY TO INVERGARRY- 27 KMS.

Sunshine start to this day from the Dreamweavers B&B near Gairlochy.

Stunning, gorgeous, words escape me....

Special walking companions....Penny, Robin and Ian. And the views!!!

Robin getting ready for a landing craft? :-)

Never a shortage of fine wine, craft beer and wee drams. Here in the Invergarry Hotel, about a 15 minute walk away from our Saddle Mountain Hostel.

DAY 3- INVERGARRY TO FORT AUGUSTUS- 17 KMS.

Just a great Scottish hostel....Saddle Mountain. Dorms and bathroom set-up was excellent, the kitchen very modern and the very-needed drying room the most up-to-date I've ever seen. The hosts were very welcoming and had great trail information and maps. They will be heading to Patagonia in November!

Back to the canal and had a chance to watch a lock opening and closing....Watching the boats use the Canal was a constant treat.

Below, one of the original tollhouses along the canal.

What is a BAHOOKIE ?!?! Fort Augustus funky hostel, Morag's.

DAY 4- FORT AUGUSTUS TO INVERMORISTON- 15 KMS.

High road it is.....for me, the most beautiful day of the week. Waterfalls and lush forest on our way up to the ridge was a beautiful visual treat.

Then out into the open with just a glorious view along Loch Ness.

On the other side of the loch was an interesting erosion feature, with a spooky legend attached to it.

A very peaceful, contemplative pair of hikers. And do you know what this shelter is called??!!

After walking along the top of the ridge for 3-4 kms. and then down through the forest, we encountered a very steep trail down to |Invermoriston, seen below near the bay.

One of a thousand Telford bridges, this one at the start of Invermoriston village.

Dinner at the GlenMoriston Hotel. Excellent drinks and food....and the best company!

Never a shortage of sweets for us.....Robin is well pleased!! (Remember the pink meringue he had last year at Balquhidder??!)

DAY 5- INVERMORISTON TO DRUMDALOCHIT- 24 KMS.

We found the cave that was used by Highlanders fleeing the...??

Love the little rock buddies on top of the information board.

Enjoying a beautiful view across Loch Ness to the southern mountain range....

Such a welcome surprise, a tea room 10 minutes off the trail. We sat in the sunshine overlooking Loch Ness and were royally treated by our Duncan hosts: tea, cakes, good chats.

The head of Clan Duncan (in this area!!) came out in full clan dress with his sword and tickled me with his stories!

A possible accommodation next time we come through.....

Sunshine lighting up the mist and then our "horse whisperers" made friends!

What is THIS!?! Que esta??!!Lovely dinner at the nearby pub in Drumladochit but how did we end up with a San Miguel beer glass??!

DAY 6- DRUMLADOCHIT TO BLACKFOLD- 22 KMS.

Looking back to Urquhart Castle on the point - pictogram below

Sad day for aquatic record setting....

We came through a lovely woodland and were tempted to stop at a funky tea room. Decided that we had too many miles to cover to rendez-vous with our Blackfold taxi pick-up. This stage is over 30 kms. so we decided many months ago to break the stage into 2 days.
Penny contemplating 5 miles of tarmac....not thrilled.