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| Allt Sigh from Loch Ness |
The last 5 days I have been guiding a group of 7 folk along the Great Glen Way. This long distance, multi day trail begins in Fort William and finishes at Inverness. The major geological fault line includes the lochs of Loch Lochy, Loch Oich & Loch Ness. A relitively easy trek, much of which is canal tow paths and forest trails.
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| Good Forest trails |
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| Our moving accommodation |
I was guiding for Caledonian Discovery, who operate barge and activity holidays on the lochs and canals. This former cargo barge was built in 1929 and has been lovingly converted to superb accommodation for groups. This made the walk so much fun.
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| Telford Bridge, one of many wonderful engineering feats |
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| The group on a side trip off the main GGW route |
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| High level alternative above Loch Ness |
I first guided the GGW back in 2005, just 3 years after it became an 'official long distance walking trail'. Prior to this it was actually a recognised mountain biking route. Since I last guided the trail.there has been some upgrading of the paths. Especially welcome is a few places where there is an high level section above the treeline. This offers great views, rather than the original lower sections in spruce tree plantations offering very little views of Loch Ness.
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| Loch Ness above the treeline |
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| The falls at Invermoriston |
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| Autumn berries |
We had some wonderful weather, many days of bright sun and blue skies. No rain all week, no midges all week!
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| Barging to our next section of the walk |
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| Beautiful morning |
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| Cruising Loch Ness |
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| Wonderful on the loch |
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| Getting ready to land |
After a hearty breakfast on board the Fingal of Caledonia, we either walked from our mooring or had a short cruise on the Loch to regain our previous finish location from the day before.
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| Loch Ness, no monster this week |
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| The Pioneer, our wee boat to get ashore |
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| Steve, our Bosun and all round boat expert |
Some days we had tge luxury of a cafe instead of a picnic.
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| Pete enjoys a lunch and hammock at the cafe |
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| Plenty of these along the way |
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| Some company on Wednesday |
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| Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle |
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| Well signed paths |
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| Another day, another cafe |
We varied the classic route and had a few alternative sections, devised by the team and for logistics to get back to the barge every day.
It was a great few days and a nice change from the hills. The route is very quiet, surprisingly. Where is everyone? Oh, they're all at the roadside honeypots.
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| The only operating coal fired steamer in Scotland |
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| Our final steps |
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| The team at Clachnaharry, our alternative fiish point |
My accommodation on the Fingal of Caledonia was first class. Ensuite and very comfortable. Far, far better than many Highland Hotels I've frequented. Come on hoteliers, get your act together!
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| My room , with no sharing |
