Walk Date - 07 October 2013
Walkers - Steve Smith, Gina Smith, Joss Johnson
Accommodation - Abbey Cottage B&B - Fort Augustus
Start Point - Invermoriston, Glenmoriston Arms Hotel (NH 42020 16876)
Start Time - 09:39
Finish Point - Fort Augustus, Abbey Cottage B&B - Fort Augustus (NH 37944 09121)
Finish Time - 13:10
Duration - 3hrs 31mins
Average pace - 2.18mph
Distance Walked - 7.67miles
Height Ascended - 119.80metres
Peaks visited
NONE
Route
The 476m Sròn na Muic totally obscurred by rain bearing cloud |
We still would have had the same 8 miles planned for today, to walk from Invermoriston to Fort Augustus, but instead of it being an effort to be endured after two tough days we can take it at a more relaxed pace and still be finished by 1pm.
The net result would still have been setting off from Fort Augustus on day 05 but allowing us to stop and take photographs as well as enjoy scenery, points of interest and take coffee/meal breaks in villages along the way. Rather than press on at a relentless pace to "earn" enough time to take a rest day that we may not even need, feeling we are kicking our heels hanging around in one place, when instead we could be taking an extra few steps towards the ultimate end on Day 07.
Sheltering from rain outside Glenmoriston Arms Hotel |
The weather however had other ideas with heavy rain, the first we had seen, and low cloud obscuring any views ensured we did not hang around or spend time sightseeing along the way.
At least when it is pouring with rain at the beginning of the walk there is no debate about when or whether you should get out the waterproofs, so after saying goodbye to the taxi driver we set off from the Glenmoriston Arms Hotel maybe over dressed but dry.
Old Bridge, Invermoriston |
Minor falls swelled by rain near Allt a' Mhuilinn |
Main falls from bridge over Allt a' Mhuilinn |
A protein bar on the hoof gave us the energy to make the final ascent from Allt na Criche before we started the final descent into Fort Augustus just above Inchnacardoch Lodge Hotel.
Extra tall pines as Great Glen Way descends in to Fort Augustus |
After descending to Three Bridges through tall pines it took only 20 minutes to reach Fort Augustus and walks end just after 1pm where a hot shower and a change in to dry clothes awaited.
Start point for tomorrows walk, just outside our B&B |
As well as passing the half way point of the walk, somewhere between Allt Mhuilin and Allt na Criche, we had just completed our fourth consecutive day of walking. Combined with the easy day today we all now knew we had done enough preparation to reach Fort William within the three remaining days.
More Photographs
The "Old Bridge" at Invermoriston
Click on photograph to view slide-show
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