Day 13 - perfect timing

This mornings view is of the mountains in Glencoe.




We made our own breakfast rather than the continental one that the hostal could have provided. Ours was much better, and everything was timed perfectly, with the toast popping up at the same time as microwave dinging and the scrambled egg being ready.

The views of the Glencoe mountains were magnificent, and beautifully topped with snow.




We then set off for Fort William along the narrow and busy A83. The big lorries and busses are very courteous, and we also pull over when we can to allow them past is the road is twisty and the can't see far enough ahead to overtake.
The problem we did have was with a caravan who drove so close that the caravan touches Ray's pannier straps. I thought it was close enough to me but it did not make contact.

We then arrived in a very dull looking Fort William, it does not look like a place worth visiting except for the beautiful Ben Nevis mountains.




We then went across the canal that links the lochs for boats, and just as we arrived the road and railway line were moved out of the way to let a boat through.




We then went along the north side of the Great Glen, starting on a small, then canal path.





Which was flooded in places, the river is on the left and the canal is on the right, and this section sets the height limit for the canal.



We then headed through woodland, but had to wait with a group of walkers, to be escorted through a section of woodland that was being felled. Four people got a ride in a vehicle, while the rest of us had to walk through a very muddy track. The woodland section took ages because it was too rough to cycle at any speed, and we are fearful of getting punctures.

We then had to rejoin the main road, and soon found a shop that was completely on its own selling loads of things. Including hit food, and a free view of the loch.




It was interesting to note that I think this is the part of the loch where the water flows out both ways. The locks on the canals flow different ways at the two ends.

We are now at Loch Ness, which is stunning.




The hostel is a little more basic than the others we have had, but very good and friendly. We arrived 5 minutes before the hostel opened.

Dinner tonight was shepards pie that we were able to buy from the hostel.

Finally can you see Nessy in this photo, it's a bit dark but if you look really closely.



Cheers
Paul

Riding the length of the UK so you don't have to ;)
You can sponsor me at
https://www.justgiving.com/Margaret-beattie