Day 13: Drumnadrochit to Fort Augustus
Distance: 22.86 miles (36.79 km)
Start Time: 08:05
Finish Time: 16:53
Weather: Cloudy and overcast, with sunny intervals and a dramatic shower to finish
Day 13 started off with a good dose of leg-burn—a steep climb out of Drumnadrochit, ascending to around 1000ft. Thankfully, after the initial slog, the path evened out, giving the legs a break and the lungs a chance to catch up.
The trail to Invermoriston rolled along until it dropped sharply into the village – one of those descents where you’re thankful for decent boots and walking poles and even more thankful it’s not wet…
After Invermoriston, it was a mix of ups and downs – nothing too dramatic, just enough to remind you you’re still walking a long way. Much of the route wound through forests, some of which have been clear-felled. The contrast was striking – dense woodland giving way to open, almost desolate stretches dotted with stumps and storm-felled giants. There were some seriously massive trees down.
The final stretch into Fort Augustus was through one of these clear-felled areas, and that’s when the weather decided to throw in a surprise. A heavy shower rolled in just as I was heading downhill. Naturally, by the time I got all the waterproofs on the rain had stopped. Classic.
Tomorrow is a shorter day, and we’ve booked in at the Great Glen Hostel in South Laggan as there is no nearby campsite, so should be a nice change from the motor home. Looking forward to it!
