Great Glen Way: Fort William to Loch Ness

Day 30
Distance- 79km (1431)
Weather- sunchine, rain on and off
Highlights- the elevated cycle way along the Loch
Lowlights- day 6 since Glasgow, kms taking there toll
Accommodation- Loch Ness Youth Hostel

Everyone was little tired and sore today. We were looking forward to the Great Glen way, a route from coast to coast from Fort William to Inverness. It was originally a walk way but has been converted to a cycle way as well. So there a diversions for the parts too difficult tot cycle (something similar I guess will be done with the West Highland Way). The first part of the morning was very relaxing cruising along the Caledonian canal. We passed Neptune’s staircase a series of 8 locks that moves sail boats from the sea up into the loch Lochy, very impressive. We then turned
of the loch into the hills and continued along forest trials. This was sometimes vehicle tracks and other times single track. A few steep ups and down but generally much more civilized than the first part of the WHW. We were treated to some fantastic views over the lochs.

At times we could see the rain on the other side of the loch pass us while at others we wer ingulfed by the cloud. We stopped for a short break at Fort Augustus were loch Ness starts. then head off along more forestry trials. We got our selves well lost behind Invermoriston but found our way out. Beautiful waterfall and bridge here but everyone a little too weary to appreciate it. Next campsite would be good. Passed the loch Ness Youth hostel and went to continue up the forestry trial 200m beyond it. We all looked at each other. A night of midge vs a night of comfort in a soft bed, the decision was unanimous, back to the hostel. Great location, right on the lake, I mean right on the lake, the girls room was a few meters away from the water edge. Great meal of dahl, and met a lovely couple from south Australia touring seeing organic farms. Not much conversation tonight, the kms are taking their toll.