THE GREAT GLEN WAY WITH SIMON*
By PANSYPOTTER
45 comments
*In July 2009 Simon set off with Clare to walk The Great Glen Way in the Scottish highlands, the route is 73 miles long taking in some of Scotlands most magnificent scenery, The walk starts in Fort William and ends in Inverness.
The route is via beautiful forest paths, peaceful Canals and brooding lochs. skirting the shores of Loch Linnie,Loch Lochy, Lock Oich and Loch Ness passing the foot of Ben Nevis and crossing open moorland with glorious views. across the Glen,
We set off from The Old Fort walking towards the Soldiers Bridge , its here we get our first exciting view of the wonderful scenery that awaits us.
The Soldiers Bridge this was built by the Royal Engineers as a training exercise.
Walking along the sea loch at Fort William towards the canal loch
Sea Lochs At Corpach
The Canal Tow path this makes up the first 10 miles from Corpach
Neptunes Staircase at Gairlochy consists of a series of 8 Lochs, this is where hire boats and many lovely big sea boats pass through .
Ben Nevis and the Scottish Thistle which seems to cry out Scotland!
Easy walking along the tow path with markers , not that you are likely to get lost along this part, the river was never far away which added a nice feel to the walk and the stunning views and sunshine helped too!
The Commando Memorial. This was near to our first nights stop at Spean Bridge, but due to our late booking we had to do a detour of a further 4miles to our BB and another 4 next morning to rejoin again thereby adding a further 8 miles to the walk,, so I think a little rest is due dont you!
Day 2 Gairlochy to Laggan 12 miles
After a good nights rest and a hearty breakfast we walked the four miles back to rejoin the trail, the track now follows the edge of Loch Lochy
Just off the trail!
A Nice Old Boat Wreck and A Lighthouse.
Looking back down Loch Lochy as we approach Laggan Lochs and the final walk to the Eagle Inn [Inn on water boat] where the 1st beer of the day is taken. and where we had a wonderful evening meal!
Laggan Locks was quiet and there was a nice mix of people and boats, this is close to the site of The Clan Battle of the Shirts in 1544.
We stayed at Laggan overnight.
Day 3 from Laggan First stop Fort Augustus then onto Invermoriston 19 Miles
a cloudy start to the day and time for Coats!
Oich Bridge at Fort Augustus
The Old Bridge was right near where we stopped for the night just outside Invermoriston, it was such a small village but a very warm welcomei n the local Pub/Hotel which luckily was right next to our BB lol.
Day 4 .Invermoriston on to Drumnadrochit 14 Miles
The route starts to undulate now giving way to some spectacular views. Alongside the famous Loch Ness which is huge!
Then we found a cave, great for sheltering in in bad weather.
You can see how easy the path is now and the views are stunning.
Despite the wet weather it was warm, even the Cows were trying to cool off!
If you look closely you can just see Urquhart Castle in the Distance, we spent the night at Dumnadrochit
Day 5 Drumnadrochit to Inverness 18 miles
Last leg of the walk. up and over the hills to Inverness.
http://media.growsonyou.com/photos/blog_photo/image/25306/main/great_glen_way_165.jpg!
Only 4 more miles to go
On the outskirts, Redevelopment of the Old Hospital at Inverness
Needed a rest Not Playtime!
Across the Bridge to Inverness
The End
Strolling back at along the riverside after a celebratory meal out with friends we met on the walk, the city looked magical
The agony was worth it and amazingly is not a lasting memory.
Hope you have enjoyed the walk and maybe in need of a celebratory drink too!*
11 Nov, 2009
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Comments
Thanks BB will pass your comments on to him, He has also done the Westhighland Way , but Im having a break before I do a Blog on that one!
11 Nov, 2009
Theres no stopping him is there .. whatever next across the US ?
11 Nov, 2009
They are in the Grand Canaries this week, he said it was for a relaxing rest , but hey he's taken his boots along! Despite going abroad his heart is in Scotland !
11 Nov, 2009
With pics like this not hard to see why .. beautiful .
11 Nov, 2009
Beatuiful scenery Carole and I love the lock houses, I am a bit dissapointed though tell Simon, where was the Lock Ness Monster lol no really gorgeous views and locks. Thank you for shareing and thank Simon and Claire too for taking us to sights I would other wise never see.
12 Nov, 2009
75 miles! I am impressed, and carrying a pack! Gorgeous scenery, I will have to reread more closely & start building up my walks (usually prefer to bike, leisurely, on the flat). Looks like a wonderful way to spend a holiday.
12 Nov, 2009
What a great blog....and showing Bonnie Scotland at its best too!!
Wot - no rain and no midges..LOL
Seriously though - WELL DONE both - a great accomplishment.
12 Nov, 2009
Well done to the pair of them. Tell them that if they haven't yet done it to do the West Highland Way. It's also a fabulous walk and roughly the same distance. This is a great blog with beautiful pictures.
12 Nov, 2009
Loved the blog some smashing views thanks for letting me share your trip to Scotland .
12 Nov, 2009
Gorgeous pics.....felt as if I was there (but without the sore feet!).....and such beautiful weather too....
12 Nov, 2009
Stunning photos... I especially like the hills pics. :o)
12 Nov, 2009
Oh - what scenery! Fantastic area to walk in! Thanks for showing us the route. :-))
12 Nov, 2009
loved the blog. your pictures show how beautiful Scotland is.
12 Nov, 2009
Thanks for all that lovely scenery you have shared with us, hope he as a nice holiday now aswell.
12 Nov, 2009
Thanks everyone Simon will be pleased with all yor kind comments
Toto Simon did the West Highland Way in May its to be the topic of my next walking blog, so many pictures to wade through will be a while yet! thought you may be interested his latest is Baggin Munroes in Scotland. this scares me to death!
Morgana I agree shame he didnt snap Nessy but maybe next time ! lol
12 Nov, 2009
lol if he got just one I ' be happy and so would he, he would become very rich with the news papers :o) lol
12 Nov, 2009
Lovely photos, PP. Reminded me of my honeymoon many years ago, spent up in that area but we didn't walk!! Congratulations to Simon and Claire on such great photography and their stamina :)
12 Nov, 2009
Thanks Gee, fancy not going for a walk!! other things on your mind lol
Morgana I will get the magnifying glass out you never know might have missed it lol
12 Nov, 2009
If his latest bug is bagging Munroes PP...there is little you can do but sit back and wait...and wait....as there are a LOT of them - something like 283 I believe!! Our son did them all and some of them a few times....and then went on to do the highest peaks in the world....I must be the best arm-chair climber around as he too takes his cameras everywhere.
I will very much look forward to your Munroe blogs!!!
12 Nov, 2009
Well he has only just started I think he is upto 8 so a long, long way to go. Simon is talking about the Hymalayas next year but I would prefer he sticks to walking lol
12 Nov, 2009
Couldn't agree more PP.....my lad's climbing trips do nothing for my BP I can tell you! And it is fiendishly expensive that Everest one too....not to mention that the weather window is SO small. My pair went to help a couple that got into difficulties just at the summit and missed their chance of reaching the top...as the weather clamped down next day. They are thinking of going back next March to reach the summit....mad devils!!
You are right PP.....Encourage Simon to stick to the walking and the Munroes...kinder on YOUR nervous system...LOL
12 Nov, 2009
Will try my best Carol hope the expense will put him off ))
12 Nov, 2009
Should do ...first the air fair...then the cost of the Guides and Sherpas....aaaargh!!
12 Nov, 2009
I shall look forward to your blog of the West Highland Way. Has he done the Pennine Way yet? I don't think that it is as beautiful but he will at least get to visit the highes pub in England.
12 Nov, 2009
Looks like they got good weather ,the photo's are wonderful , wish him good luck in the Munro bagging.
Mac
12 Nov, 2009
Thanks Mac , yes only saw a little Drizzle! will send him your message re the Munoes
12 Nov, 2009
Wow! I couldnt do that, but I'm so impressed! Was so stunned I forgot to put my comment in last time I read it!!
13 Nov, 2009
Thanks Marie some walk isnt it!hope you are well and your PC is now ok.will Pm you 2nightxx
13 Nov, 2009
Great pics of wonderful scenery. Impressed with their stamina. Hope they enjoy their holiday :~))
13 Nov, 2009
Really enjoyed the lovely photo's.stunning scenery.We went for a week earlier in the year,but nothing as strenuous,ours was viewed via a coach tour!.It was still wonderful,round dunoon,isles of bute area,etc.Have been to part of the highlands a few years ago,but still lots to see yet,so will be going again sometime.
13 Nov, 2009
Thanks Pips great to be young and fit isnt it!
Thanks Bloomer we have been a few times in the past but like you a coach tour and when Simon was in his teens we had a hire boat on the Calendonian Canal and Loch Ness that was certainly something to remember. Would like to go again next year hopefully.
13 Nov, 2009
It isnt half some walk!! I wouldnt do it, its up high!!
:~((
Dont do heights!
13 Nov, 2009
Must admit too much for me too now, still enjoy walking but on nice flat feet friendly pathways!
13 Nov, 2009
Lol! Me too!
14 Nov, 2009
Gets more beautiful every time I review this blog. Simon takes good photos, too.
14 Nov, 2009
Thanks again Orgratis, Simon does take great pictures hundreds of them! lol he has sent me lots of the West Highland Way he did in May but I have still to get round to sorting them into a Blog, one thing about doing this is I feel I have have done every inch of the walk myself [ from my chair that is ;o)
14 Nov, 2009
Oooooh! You cheat! I thought you'd been! LMAO!!!☺ ❤ ❦ ✿ ☯ ❀
14 Nov, 2009
You joking Marie I wish! Lol
15 Nov, 2009
:~))
17 Nov, 2009
Another lovely blog with stunning pics:-)
13 Dec, 2009
What a brilliant blog Carole those photos were spectacular.I have only been to scotland once but loved every minute of it.The scenery was out of this world.
My son Dave has done a lot of walking in scotland, the sunset in my photos is from there.
13 Dec, 2009
how beautiful is that!
i dont think i would ever finish the walk cos id still be taking photos!
13 Dec, 2010
Thought you would like this one, Simon has had the photograph of the old boat wreck made into a canvas it looks stunning!
14 Dec, 2010
what a lovely idea, would bring back so many lovely memories too!
14 Dec, 2010
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What a beautiful trip and hats off to Simon and Claire .. you must be proud of these acheivements for him PP .Stunning photos from a beautiful location ..I ve made this trip but feel such a cheat as didnt walk ..every pic a gem in its own right .
11 Nov, 2009