Fort Augustus to Grotaig

I woke up to sunshine and feeling significantly better than I had been for the last couple of days. I treated myself to a lazy start and a full breakfast, I planned for a pretty big day.

The route climbs fairly steeply out of Fort Augustus, through pine forest, and then divides into a high and low route. Of course I had to take the high route, heading above the tree line for views over Loch Ness. There are some steep climbs here but once up top the trail mostly rises and falls gently until its very steep descent into Invermoriston. I'm a little confused as to my pace through this section as I got to Invermoriston in about 2.5hours. when plotting it on OS maps I had this leg as a little over 12km, but looking at the map I can see now that this is the low route, and OS maps doesn't even plot the high route (a big fail as this is a very well maintained track). Online a guide had said the high route was 16.9km, which would be very improbable for that timing, and I have since found further discrepancies between the online guide and signs in the trail. Part of me would love to spend some time correcting all the information, and making a more comprehensive guide to services along the route (including suitable wild camping spots), but most of me is far too lazy for that.
I took a long break in Invermoriston, purchased a handmade leather wristband like a total tourist, and charged my phone while relaxing at a cafe. Next came another steep climb, and again the route divides high and low. The high route climbs through reclaimed Caledonian Pine forest, past the Viewfinder - a Caledonian Pine sculpture built in 2003 - and around to the highest point on the track at around 420m. Apparently on a clear day you can see all the way to Ben Nevis - I thought I could possibly make out its bulky edge before the cloud claimed it, but I could be mistaken.
I was now at leisure to pick a likely spot for camping, but it wasn't until I was nearly at Grotaig that I found the perfect spot. A small hillock rose to the side of the path after it turned away from the steep sides over the Loch, and a large flat rock made a perfect kitchen table. Though not a flat area I managed to pitch the tent in a spot that didn't make me feel like I was going to roll downhill. I made dinner after a rest, and wanted to sit outside and play ukulele, however I was beginning to feel a little chilled. Instead, I hopped into bed, escaping most of the insects, and played in my tent.

View back to Fort Augustus

"Troll Bridge"