A long, very difficult, great hike. As is the normal routine it rained most of the night but let up and stopped during breakfast. We left the B&B at 8:50 and immediately started on a long steep climb (Peg's favorite thing first thing in the morning...NOT). Today also offered a high route and a low route and after about a mile we reached the junction and since the weather seemed like it might cooperate we took the high route. We did get about 5 minutes of rain shower but that was it for the day.
It was a long and circuitous route with many steep ascents and descents and by the time we caught sight of Loch Ness again we were almost 1,600' above it. In the meantime we were in a very remote area with no signs of any habitation, not even sheep. It has amazed us that a country this small would have so much remoteness. A very pleasant surprise indeed.
After the summit it was a steep and then gradual descent to the very small Village of Grotaig. We stopped there near the road in a windy place that kept the midgies at bay while we ate. We then had 3 miles of road walking before descending on a trail into Drumnadrochit.
Our B&B this evening is this Glenkirk B&B which is in a converted church. We are about 1/2 mile out of town. We ate dinner in town and I was able to really enjoy my first good beer of the trip. Loch Ness Brewing is a local microbrewery and their IPA and Stout were very good. Peg even enjoyed about 1/4 pint of the stout.
As we head towards sleepy time the sun is still shining.
It looks like a great hike today. And just a little rain! Let's hope that turns into a trend. So sorry you had to wait this long for a decent beer, Dad. And Mom, I've learned to live with hikes that start with a steep ascent, as that's what you find on 99% of the trails here. I try to think of it as character building. Your B&B tonight looks adorable. Hope you get a good night's rest with SOFT pillows. Loving you!
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