The Ecstasy of Wilderness: Day 3/6 Great Glen Way 117km - South Laggan to Fort Augustus

16.8km, 30m ascent, took 5.75 hours

Our first self-cooked breakfast in the hostel's kitchen: noodles, vegetables, hotdog. It reminded me of the many meals during last year's Pennine Way when I woke up early to prepare before starting each day..brought back fond memories indeed...

We had lots of time to kill today, so we took our time. It started off drizzling which lasted throughout most of the day, although with some sunshine at times. Despite the weather, it was a splendid walk where the walls of the Great Glen rose closer to hand and there were often views of high ice-capped mountains further beyond. The Great Glen Way left North Laggan and continued along the southern shore of Loch Oich where the richly wooded slopes were protected as a nature reserve. The course of an old railway line was followed along the shore.

We turned out of the Great Glen Way route to Alberchalder where we proceeded a further half mile to Thistle Stop Tearoom where they served QUALITY food. We had a wonderful lunch and a glimpse around their little giftshop.

After the meal, we retraced out tracks to admire the cunningly designed Bridge of Oich. It was an eye-catcher bridge built using the concept of 2 cantilevers. Mmmm..clever! Another lovely stretch of the Caledonian Canal led onwards, gradually locking down until a steep flight of 5 locks dropped down through Fort Augustus into Loch Ness. We saw our 2nd and 3rd rainbows today. How lucky!

We checked into Lorien House B&B which was located behind the relatively bustling village of Fort Augustus. It was a lovely, self-sufficient village to spend a night in. After settling down, we dined at 'The Bothy' pub. Meal was alright but we had a good deep chat. It felt good to speak from our inner hearts, alongside with beer and ale. My right leg's muscle had started to stiffen and hurt a little...mmm...I hope it wouldn't worsen in the next few days. Pushing on till the end - Inverness, wait for me!