John o'Groats to Land's End 2013: Day 06 - Inverness to Balbeg

Last night it took all our combined will power to leave the Hootanany pub in the centre of Inverness after just one pint, despite the landlord informing us that it was jam night around the big table (which wasn't big at all) and anyone could join in. Instead we returned to our accommodation early to recuperate for the start of the Great Glen Way the following morning.

The start of the Great Glen Way was again a wet affair, heading out of the suburbs of Inverness and steeply into the pine forests. Having gained some height, the gradient levelled off and the walking was pleasant, if a bit wet and a million miles from the A9 which is now a memory as the thundering juggernauts head off towards Perth.

After 15 Miles or so, the Way provides views of Loch Ness (no sign of Nessie today). A momentary lapse of concentration saw us miss a turn and we dropped down to the A82 that follows the edge of the Loch. A coach driver at the Nessie Hotel reminded me to call it a Loch, not a lake as we surveyed the vast amount of Nessie souvenirs available in the shop and found a suitable postcard to send home. From here we followed a path into Drumandrochit and grabbed something to eat. It was too early to finish the day’s walk, despite the numerous places to stay, so we hung around for a pint and stocked up on provisions before pressing on the Way again. After a little difficulty, we eventually found a spot to rough camp in the woods. It was here that the midge armistice was officially ended as clouds of them descended whilst we pitched tent. I quickly dived inside trying not to take any with me. Tomorrow I may be forced to try out my homemade repellent consisting of 2/3 Baby Oil, 1/3 Detol to see how effective it is. Veteran Scot Andrew Miller is highly sceptical that this will work. I will let you know the results.