A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will - Icelandic Proverb
Fort William to Inverness
The hotel catered for breakfast on an industrial scale with all the coach parties etc. So after some absolutely delicious porridge, followed by kippers, eggs, toast and marmalade swilled down with glasses of fruit juice and hot tea i was completely sated. It was raining outside and so I wasn't in any hurry to vacate my warm, dry room. So in spite of my early awakening I pottered around and made yet another mug of tea and was not ready to leave until way past nine.
Before I left Fort William I made a quick detour to find a bike shop and replace the inner tube for the trailer that I had used the previous day. Then it was on to the A82 which goes all the way to Inverness. This road heads off in north-easterly direction towards the village of Spean Bridge. After crossing the River Spean the road heads more north-westerly and begins to rise offering great view across the valley.
A82 out of Spean Bridge
After about a mile I noticed a number of parked cars and coaches. Being curious I turned into the car park and went to investigate. I discovered that people had come to see the Commando Memorial. A bronze statue commemerating those that passed through the nearby Commando 'school' during WW2.
Commando Memorial
Continuing on the A82 I then cycled parallel to the eastern shore of Loch Lochy. At the end of the loch I then left the main road and headed to Laggon Locks.
Laggon Locks
From the locks I was able to pick up the Great Glen Way. This is an off-road path running alongside the Caledonian Canal which connects Loch Lochy with the better known Loch Ness. I stopped for a few minutes in the sunshine to soak up the beauty and tranquillity of the canal.
Caledonian Canal
Great Glen Way
The Great Glen Way was generally a very good surface to cycle on and great to be away for the traffic for a while. However, once I reached Fort Augustus and Loch Ness I rejoined the A82 and headed up along the western shore. This afforded some beautiful views across the loch and also the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle. I can safely report no sightings of any monster along my journey.
The ruins of Urquhart Castle.
Loch Ness.
Today's plan was to cycle to Inverness where I would stay in a campsite. But plans changed!
