Walk Date - 04 October 2013
Walkers - Steve Smith, Gina Smith, Joss Johnson
Accommodation - Premier Inn - Inverness (River Ness)
Start Point - Inverness Castle (NH 66636 44973)
Start Time - 09:29
Finish Point - road out of Abriachen near Loch Laide (NH 54134 35668)
Finish Time - 15:27
Duration - 5hrs 58mins
Average pace - 2.08mph
Distance Walked - 12.40miles
Height Ascended - 462.62metres
Peaks visited
NONE
Route
Great Glen Way start point near Inverness Castle |
So after photographs we all set off humming the Dambusters theme, not knowing quite what we had let ourselves in for or if we had done enough preparation.
Jacobite Loch Ness cruises from Tomnahurich swing bridge |
The first section started off at a relaxed pace along the southern bank of the River Ness before crossing to Ness Islands and ending up on the north bank just before Whin Island. A short walk up Bught Road to the A82 canal crossing at Tomahurich Bridge returned us to waterside walking albeit away from the Great Glen towards the sea lock at Clachnaharry.
Creag Dunain Hospital |
What would become familiar blue marker posts guided us through housing to fields where we could see Creag Dunain Hospital along with the radio masts on top of Dunain Hill. A short climb brings us to our first checkpoint of the day in the grounds of the hospital on Foresters Way.
A final look back at Inverness |
Typcal and easy to follow path through woods all the way to Blackfold |
Follow signs along new part of GGW avoiding road between Blackfold and Wester Altourie |
The path rejoins the road just past Wester Altourie |
The path through the woods is just after the farm entrance and is also signposted to Abriachan Cafe. With Joss and Gina leading the way I was thinking a visit would be inevitable especially as further signs displayed hot chocolate, then coffee, as well as tea and finally cakes. However by now the sun had disappeared, it had started to drizzle and the end of the walk and a dry taxi beckoned.
All smiles at end of first days walking |
A most enjoyable days walking with everyone looking forwards to a well earned bath and evening meal.
St. Andrews Cathedral from Inverness Castle and the start of The Great Glen Way Click on photograph to view slide-show |
Great Glen Way Day01
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