We began today with breakfast at Distant Hills B&B. It’s a great way to start a walk, really. The owners here, Dani and Cameron, are delightful, and I will have to share photos of the flowers growing in the yard at some point: they are amazing!

After breakfast Cameron drove us to our starting spot for today’s walk, and off we went.

Starting out at the locks we headed up on a road. Now roads in Scotland are pretty darn narrow, so I frequently heard Dan yell out (he was behind me) “Car back!” to warn me of a car coming up the road. I nearly always step further aside and turn around so the driver can see that I know he/she is there. Nearly everyone waves.

Speaking of that, I must say that people here are quite friendly: nearly every walker and cyclist greets us as we pass by. I love it.

From the road we were taken to a path for walkers and we stayed on that a bit, crossing the road at one point, and then heading down to Loch Lochy. We then were going to spend a whole lot of time walking either near the loch or a bit above it. We went through lovely forested areas. We also went through an area that had new plantings of trees. (I really can’t remember the exact order of things, so I very well may get some things out of order.)

And we also ended up on a road again. Another narrow — and later narrower — road, but I may be getting things out of order. How is one’s brain supposed to function after nearly 13 miles?!

At one point there was a long slog through a forested area that wasn’t all too exciting. But not every inch of a walk can be exciting, right?

We stopped for our lunches, prepared by Dani at Distant Hills. Dan hung his pack on a log that was sticking out. I foolishly set my pack and camera back on the ground. We took a bit of time for lunch and headed out again. I’m not sure when I looked at my right wrist, but there was Mr. Tick, just trying to burrow in. Thankfully I saw it before he did get in there, and got him off completely. I’m guessing I’m just fine because of quickly doing that, but I’ll be watching that part of my wrist for a while. Lesson learned: don’t set things down near plant life.

The GGW had a diversion somewhat close to the end of our walk, where we had switchbacks along a trail that honestly wasn’t difficult as it gained altitude rather slowly. There were signs along the way … um … I think they are called interpretive? Anyway, we had the most lovely expansive views on this part of the walk.

And then it was just walk, walk, walk. Not quite as exciting although there were pretty moments, and even in those that aren’t amazing are just pleasant.

My only problem, and it was minimal, was that my feet swell as I walk and my smaller toes aren’t always happy. I suspect after this trip I will dismiss these shoes and get something with a larger to box. I had worn these on walks at home and thought they were fine, but I think for longer walks I can use that more generous toe box … if I can find something that fits! (I have very large feet and finding shoes isn’t always easy.)

Eventually we ended up at the Laggan Lochs and I called our driver to see how we were to meet up. Despite the somewhat difficult connection and my inability to understand him all the time I did figure out what we were to do so we waited for him to arrive, which he did after maybe fifteen or twenty minutes. We will see him, Al, tomorrow as well. He’s a character, and at first I thought he was angry at us but I think I just didn’t catch on to his personality at first.

So then it was a bit of time to relax before dinner. Our feet and muscles could certainly use that! For dinner we revisited last night’s restaurant: we have no choice as it’s the only restaurant in town!

Tomorrow we get picked up by Al at about 9:45 or so and head to Laggan Lochs again. He will then transport our luggage to our destination as we walk to Fort Augustus. I doubt we’ll have to worry about the luggage arriving since he takes it right there, but time will tell.**

**NO! I was wrong about Al taking our luggage. I’m not sure where I got the idea he would deal with it!