Garry and Marie walk South to North

  I dropped Garry in Culbokie, just as the rain started and he headed downhill towards the Cromarty bridge over the Cromarty Firth.  I stayed and drank a coffee and took Alfie for a wander around the Culbokie community gardens, where apples and pears grow for anyone to enjoy. Unfortunately, they weren't quite ripe enough for eating yet.                                                       The footpath over the Cromarty bridge was signposted closed (as was yesterday's bridge). However, as Garry was pondering the situation, four workman were watching him from their van and called him over. They explained that they were planning to do some work under the bridge which is why it was closed, although they hadn't started yet. They suggested he continued walking over anyway!  After he reached the end of the bridge, Garry waked along a footpath an...

  Yesterday's rest day was spent finishing the final short section of the Great Glen Way, along Ness Islands into Inverness, followed by an amble around the Victorian market, spotting hearts and walking along the River Ness. Alfie made a friend!                        After being dropped off at Inverness railway station this morning, Garry walked passed the harbour and marina by the River Ness towards the Kessock bridge, with the aim to walk across the west side of the bridge. However, when Garry arrived, the west side was closed, so he had a half mile detour (around Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football club) to approach the east side of the bridge.   It was very wet (but not windy, which was a blessing), as he crossed the bridge. Once over the bridge, he went through a village called Craigton and around on the Ord Hill Circular Walk. This was all part of the John o'Groats trail. He went through a Christmas Tree plan...

  The three of us set off from Drumnadrochit this morning, walking along the Great Glen Way on the main road with the final views of Loch Ness and some coos.   Me and Alfie turned back as the track turned northwards and uphill through forests. We managed to find a cafe that provided Alfie with a sausage and a wasp bite! The caramel chocolate tart was delicious! Garry continued climbing up Meall na h-Eilrig, on a forestry track . He met a few other couples walking and a few mountain bikers . There were quite expansive views to the northeast over towards Beauly and Muir of Ord (no picture, sorry!)        The track flattened out and Garry walked through a couple of little villages, through Aird forest, where there was an invitation for some food, but they wouldn't do a coffee, so Garry trundled onwards. The gradual descent began where Garry met me and Alfie 2 miles from the end (we had the gradual ascent first!), where there were views of Inverness in the dist...

  An overcast day today as I dropped Garry at Invermorriston and he headed northwards up a very steep lane on The Great Glen Way. ( I drove 100 m round the corner and found a cafe with free parking for coffee!)       But back to the main man. Once, at the top of the zigzag lane, the track flattened out somewhat and Garry took a slight detour to see the stone seat.  The track continued through the forest, gradually descending to the hamlet of Alltsigh, where apparently the last she-wolf in the glen died.  After another strenuous ascent, Garry reached the high point for the day, which is 984 feet above sea level. Here, he came across a stone cave. Unfortunately today there were very few, limited views of Loch Ness which was disappointing. About 2/3 of the way in, Garry emerged form the forest and followed a quiet lane through the hamlets of Grotaig , Inchconachar and Tornabrack. From here, Garry had his first view of Drumnadrochit.        ...