Day 12: Abriachan to Drumnadrochit
Distance: 7.80 miles (12.56 km)
Start Time: 13:38
Finish Time: 16:40
Weather: Sunny morning, cloudy and overcast afternoon
Today was a gentler day on the trail — a welcome breather before the big miles ahead.
After a slow and peaceful morning (complete with some much-needed coffee and a bit of shopping), Adam drove me back up to the car park at Abriachan, where I left off yesterday.
Before heading off, we took some time to explore the fantastic facilities run by the Abriachan Forest Trust — a brilliant community project that's really worth a visit. They’ve done a phenomenal job of making the area accessible, educational, and just genuinely inviting. Check them out here.
From the car park, I joined the Great Glen Way heading toward Drumnadrochit. The path wound its way through peaceful forests, offering a sense of calm that felt just right for today. And then — there it was — my very first glimpse of Loch Ness. There's something quite magical about finally seeing that stretch of water
The descent down into the village was steep, followed by a long stretch of road walking, which wasn't the most exciting bit, but it got me to the campsite where tea and cake (courtesy of Adam, my ever-reliable sherpa) were waiting.
It's an early night for me — tomorrow marks the beginning of a tough but exciting stretch: 20 miles, followed by 16.5, and then another 20 into Fort William.
