Today I had an adventure beyond the journey that was already planned. My route today began in Glencoe through Fort William, Achnacarry, Laggan Locks, Fort Augustus, Loch Tarff, Dorres and Inverness. What should have been an 83 mile route ended up being 92 miles. The weather again was beautiful reaching a high of 82 F. From Glencoe I left at 8:45am and crossed Loch Leven north to Fort William and then followed the Caledonian Canal. At Achnacarry I took a wrong turn and went high up on a lumber road overlooking Loch Lochy instead of taking the road along the side of the Loch. I ended up going five miles before hitting a dead end and having to retrace my steps. I did see my first deer (for this trip) on the trail. After getting back on track, I stopped for lunch in Fort Augustus being serenaded by bagpipes. Then I climbed 51/4 miles to Loch Tarff -100 ft to 1,300 ft. I had to walk towards the top. As I got back on my bike my gears locked and I fell on my left side on the road. Luckily there was no traffic behind. I gashed my left arm, but no other injuries. I had wet wipes in bag, cleaned up and headed on my way. This was mile 50 and I still had 40 miles to get to Inverness. The rest of the ride was uneventful, mostly downhill along the General George Wade road into Inverness. I arrived in Inverness at 6:15pm. I had originally booked at the Loch Ness Inn, but changed plans today after realizing it was too far out of Inverness. Enjoyed an excellent dinner at the Riverhouse Restaurant, and the company of the bike group, helping David (with the group) celebrate his birthday.
On the way out of Glencoe looking over Loch Leven
Same photo looking North over Loch Leven
Crossing a bridge looking back to Glencoe
Looking North over Loch Leven
Another beautiful garden along the route
Arriving in Fort William...how's your Gaelic
Canal lock
Ben Nevis..the tallest mountain in the U.K.
Loch Lochy
The path I took before realizing I went the wrong way
Two more days to go! Tomorrow off to Altnaharra.
