JOGLE 5.5 Day 3 Thu 4 Oct 12

Depart 0900 Arrived at 1830 Inverness to Drumnadrochit Distance 20 miles.

 It was pleasant walking along Drovers trials, through forests and some open landscape. Found a pair of trainers sat on a wall in good condition. Meet some walkers coming the other way along with a cyclist or two even came across a runner. Perhaps the trainers were his, strategically placed for a changeover. Later on we came across an eco-cafe advertising itself as you walk along the path using planks of wood that are painted with what they are selling. Ian and I gave it a miss as it seemed a bit too “Glastonbury” if you know what I mean. We really didn't have time to sit in a Yurt, smoke a peace pipe whilst the water boiled on an open fire. We also came across an eco-playground for children where we had the second half of an enormous packed lunch. We passed the highest point of the Great Glen Way, it didn't actually say how high though. Going downhill was interesting passing signs telling us about "Newfies" from Canada in the 2nd WW setting up logging camps and the unofficial fastest water speed record on Loch Ness along with stunning views of the Loch. At one viewing point over Loch Ness was a memorial to Stuart, so we stopped and had a chat, as you do about life, fish and the universe. At the end of the path you drop down onto the A82 which was horrible and back to speeding vehicles again! I arrived at the Drumnodrochit Hotel and managed a Latte coffee whilst waiting for Ian. At this point my camera decided to play up with a “lens” problem which after some time fiddling with it found it-self in the bin. I did remember to take out the memory card though and I have retrieved all the photos. It just meant I was confined to the phone camera, which did a reasonable enough job. We arrived at the Brigend House B&B to a warm reception and detailed instructions with a tour. Even a schooner of Sherry as a pre-dinner tipple was provided. Eating out was at the local pub called the Fiddler which had over 500 whiskeys on display. Needless to say we didn't try them and stuck to the beer. The menu was very interesting and definitely not the standard pub food with Venison appearing frequently. The rest of Drumnadrochit is heavily commercialised with Loch Ness Monster shops and visitor centres. Breakfast in the norming saw Ian with a big grin on his face as Rosalyn sets high standards and cooked Ian a special fish breakfast on request.