Skip to main content

Day 68 Fort William to Gairlochy Bottom Lock (900 miles completed!)

 

After a relaxing rest day yesterday (where we visited Corpach Sea Lock and a shipwreck in Caol) today started at the drop off point of Morrisons at Fort William (very picturesque I know!) In the background we could see Ben Nevis.

        

  


This shipwreck is the rusting remains of a shipping vessel called MV Dayspring, built in 1975, used as a fishing  boat, trawling the North sea to catch herring and mackerel. It was then moved to Northern Ireland to continue fishing when the boat's skipper retired and was renamed 'Golden Harvest'. In the early 2000's it was returned to Scotland and moored near Kinlochleven, with the aim of being converted into a floating sea food restaurant. This never happened and in 2009 it was retired and moved to Loch Linnhe, where some repairs were started. In December 2011, a huge storm tore Golden Harvest from its mooring and the local coastguard helped control the landing of the ship on the beach, where it has remained between Corpach and Caol villages. 


     

This morning, Garry walked through the outskirts of Fort William, Inverlochy and Caol and joined the Caledonian Canal downstream of  Neptune's Staircase, where me and Alfie joined him. 

An intricate arrangement of 8 lochs to enable boats to move through 64 feet (10 metres) of gradient   It takes about one and a half hours to move through them all. There was a group of 4 large yachts moving through as we arrived.

      

 

The weather was intermittently sunny and showery. Alfie and I took respite in a cafe along Neptune's staircase on the return trip. 



The rest of the walk was along a well maintained cycle path/ tow path with views across left and right to the mountains beyond. Me and Alfie joined Garry for the final mile of the walk back to Gairlochy Bottom Lock.

    

                                              


On the way back to the hotel in Fort William, we called in at a monument to fallen soldiers from the World War II.


A shorter easier walk of 9.6 miles today but Garry and Alfie still managed an afternoon nap!

             










Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Getting ready.....

We have a complete route planned now! We aim  to set off from Land's End on 3rd May 2025. We have decided to take on the challenge of walking from Land's End to John o'Groats, starting in early May 2025. It is likely to take 3 months and cover 1200 miles so definitely a big undertaking. Whilst walking, we are taking the opportunity to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK. Many of us have either had cancer ourselves or have a family member who has been affected. Garry was diagnosed with prostate cancer in August 2023 and following a successful treatment is cancer free. Marie's brother Liam, sadly died in April 2024 following a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer. We have both had family members and friends who have not survived and others who have made successful recoveries with the amazing support of the NHS. If you are able to donate it may be your donation that funds the research that finds a cure. Whatever you are able to give, we truly appreciate it. Marie, Garry an...
Post a Comment
Read more

Day 1 Lands End to Penzance

  The plan is to make it to John o'Groats by mid-August.  Today's planned route. 11.5 miles  Lovely weather for our first day of walking.    Once we got to Sennen Cove, I found my first 'End to End' coffee and travelled back to Land's End on the bus so I could meet Garry later on.  Garry walked through paths in Trewidden and passed a church at Sancreed. Looking back towards Sennen Cove. We found each other for lunch after a little traipse through some fields. Time for a cuppa and feet up before tomorrow's trip from Penzance to Porthleven (13 miles). 
4 comments
Read more

Day 5 Truro to Indian Queens (plus a beach trip)

  Going back to last night before today's blog.....last night I visited Truro Rock Choir, led by Marcus Alleyne. There were only 4 other basses there which was definitely different to a usual Rock Choir night at Cheltenham with over 20 basses. It was still good fun and we finished 'Call Me' by Blondie. Marcus Alleyne, Cornwall Rock choir leader and Jenny, Annette and Joy from Truro bass Rock Choir.  Onto today's planned route. Garry was walking on his own today as Alfie was still exhausted from yesterday's trek so I took him on a beach visit. Garry walked on mainly small quiet roads and a forest track today. He crossed over the A30 a number times. Meanwhile, me and Alfie took a trip to Mawgan Porth which has a lovely beach where Garry's family spent many family holidays.    On the beach, I met Nicki and her husband and we had a lovely chat. Her husband will be cycling Land's end to John o'Groats in July, whilst she is in he back up campervan. Good Luck t...
Post a Comment
Read more