Saturday 29 May - Euston to Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus
It was certainly convenient having a coach to ourselves on the train to Edinburgh, as well as having the luggage van for our bags. The Graham Urquhart coaches were waiting for us at Waverley station, as close to the platform as they could be got. After a drivers' rest stop at Perth we continued on to Drumnadrochit for the Loch Ness Lodge Hotel and B & Bs and to Fort Augustus for the Stravaigers hostel.
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| Outside the Loch Ness Lodge Hotel |
Sunday - Fort William to Gairlochy
It was an early breakfast for those in Drumnadrochit to prepare for the long coach ride to Fort William, but not quite so early for the hostellers in Fort Augustus.
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| Starting from the Stravaigers hostel |
Arrived at Fort William, we checked out the facilities at Morrison's and the Nevis Centre, and then assembled for the group photos and the commendably few words to send us on our way. The weather was fine, as it remained for almost the entire walk. Trainers were quite adequate for this day's short walk on good paths.
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| Loch Linnhe |
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| Jelly Baby checkpoint |
Having left the town, there was the pleasant stretch alongside the tidal Loch Linnhe. Our inner men were well looked after by John and Carole Rogers at their checkpoint. Hopefully any resulting tendency to walk too fast was restrained by the sign at Gairlochy lock.
The tea van was standing by at Gairlochy.
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| Gairlochy lock |
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| Tea van at Gairlochy |
Monday - Gairlochy to Oich Bridge
Today the hostellers at Stravaigers Lodge had to load their belongings into the coach for transfer to the BCC hostel about three miles from Drumnadrochit. The walk resumed at Gairlochy, following a quiet road for a few miles with some confusing signs about deviations. However, we all found the way to Clunes, Laggan Locks, the Great Glen Water Park, and onwards to Oich Bridge, where the newly-opened tea shop had brought in several local volunteers to meet our needs.
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| Leaving Gairlochy |
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| A tempting place to pause at Loch Oich |
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| BCC Hostel |
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| Friendly tea shop at Oich Bridge |
Tuesday - Oich Bridge to Invermoriston
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| Starting from Oich Bridge |
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| Climbing away from Fort Augustus |
Today we had the only rain the entire five days, and it only lasted a few minutes. Some started one side of the canal, and some the other, but it didn't matter. Passing through Fort Augustus, familiar territory to the hostellers, we could top up from the local shops.
Leaving Fort Augustus, we found the first climb on the route, a modest 200 feet or so. This was followed by a beautiful stretch overlooking Loch Ness, ending at a friendly pub at Invermoriston.
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| Loch Ness |
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| Invermoriston pub |
Wednesday - Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit
The day started with a steep winding climb of about 500 feet up into the forest over the village. Then we dropped back down to the loch level at the Alltsigh Youth Hostel.
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| The climb out of Invermoriston |
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| Alltsigh checkpoint |
Then we had a steady climb of 900 feet on forest tracks followed by a generally level stretch with fine views over Loch Ness. Next there was a 400 foot steep drop, and another climb of 300 feet or so on a quiet lane. This (thankfully!) then led down to the little River Coiltie on the way into Drumnadrochit.
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| Through the forest |
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| Views approaching Drumnadrochit |
Thursday - Drumnadrochit to Inverness
Today we had the hardest climb of the whole route: 1000 feet from just outside Drumnadrochit up to the highest point on the whole Great Glen Way.
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| The long climb |
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| Just to prove it |
Just beyond the highest point marker we entered the forest park near Loch Laide. This was well provided with amenities to help us recuperate. Then there was a pleasant stretch along a lane with good views over the quiet countryside, reaching the checkpoint at Blackfold. Afterwards came the steady descent through the forest, eventually reaching a spot where there were views over Inverness.
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| Blackfold checkpoint across boggy ground |
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| Downhill now |
The approach to this lively city was through sports grounds, parks and over the islands in the fast-flowing River Ness. After crossing the finish line on the lawn in front of Inverness Castle, there were pubs and cafes all around.
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| Arriving in Inverness |
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| The finish |
Party night was celebrated in the hotel at Drumnadrochit.
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| Lorraine's sword dance |
Friday - returning to London
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| Now the train was taking the strain! |
