Gairlochy

We took full advantage of our rest day in Fort William. All our gear has been washed and I replaced my waterproof trousers.

We did a tour of all the watering holes along the high street watching the hikers cross the finish line; many with the WHW strut. We bumped into a few walkers that we had met along our journey and bid them a safe trip home.

As we left the BnB to begin the Great Glen Way, our old friend the rain decided to show; thankfully after about 10mins it stopped and didn’t return until we set up camp for the day.

The first order of business was to get the key to the facilities along the Caledonin Canal from the office at Corpach. Once done we set off along the Canal.

It wasn’t long until we reached Neptune’s Staircase; a series of 7 locks. Just as we arrived a steam train pulled out of the Banavie Station.

The towpath was wide, flat and no loose stones to cause any touble; the miles flew by. We reached Moy bridge, the only surviving swing bridge from when the canal was built and is hand operated.

Before we knew it, we arrived at Gairlochy; here the canal joins Loch Lochy. About a mile on the road from the Gairlochy Locks we tried to get a pitch at the nearby campsite, but due to Covid they wouldn’t allow tents.

We trudged our way back to the locks to a wild camping spot right on the canal bank. We got the tent all set up just in time for the rain.

Today was very easy going and we felt like we could have kept walking, but the next stop is 12 miles away at the other end of Loch Lochy.

We are in a bit of a quandary where to stop tomorrow night. Loggan is the next stage end which has facilities, however there is no camping; I have been unable to contact the hostel there to see if they have vacancies.

Invergarry, 4 miles further on, has camping but without facilities. There is a lot more civilsation at Invergarry so we will be able to get a beer at least. Unfortunately there are no free rooms going and again I can’t contact the hostel there!

We might just have to chance our luck for a bed at the hostels, if not, it’s proper wild camping! We have everything sorted from day 3 onwards, just these first two days that are being awkward.