Hullo. How are you? I hope you are having a good day. I’m Mark and I’m walking from Land’s End to John O’Groats…
The day started with a climb back into the forest and onto the Great Glen Way, which I had all to myself once more.
No sooner had I reached the top of the hill than I was on the way down again and walking through the trees at a lower level near to Loch Oich.
I followed the forest path for a couple of miles before rejoining the Caledonian Canal at Bridge of Oich. I love this canal walk, it’s such a beautiful and peaceful way to while away the hours.
I plugged my headphones in and started a new audio book whilst wandering along the waterside for a really relaxing couple of hours.
Before I knew it, I was approaching the ever popular Fort Augustus and the impressive lock system joining the canal to Loch Ness.
I wandered around Fort Augustus for a short while, dodging the tourists who flock here for the boat rides that take them onto Loch Ness in anticipation of spotting the famous monster.
After the noise and bustle of the village, I climbed a steep hill into the forest and was alone again with just the sounds of the birds and the crunch of pine cones underfoot.
The hilltop forest walk runs parallel to the edge of Loch Ness, yet most of the time there is no hint of being within just a few hundred feet of the massive loch.
Occasionally, however, the hiker emerges from the trees and is treated to amazing views of the loch and the surrounding mountains.
The Great Glen Way is currently diverted to allow for forestry work, but the temporary path stills comes very close to the logging machines and the fruits of their labour. The smell of pine in the air is delicious.
Approaching Invermoriston, the path descends suddenly towards the village and then follows a lane towards the famous Invermoriston Falls and old bridge.
I took the opportunity to stock up on some odds and ends at the good community shop and then headed to the hotel just before the rain got heavy.
The Day 57 Vlog
Fundraising for MacMillan Cancer Support
As I walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats, I am hoping to raise £10,000 for MacMillan Cancer Support, who do such a wonderful job of supporting families through the most difficult times. If you are able to spare any amount and would like to donate to MacMillan, please do so through my Just Giving Page.
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