Wednesday 27th April 2016 – 1042.21 miles
Had a lie in this morning – the alarm was set for 7am.
We talked about our planned route with Janet yesterday. She has done a great deal of walking in the past and, after much discussion, we have decided to walk towards Dingwall from Drumnadrochit rather than walk to Inverness first. We save ourselves at least a day and we are both keen to make progress towards our goal.
Janet gave us a delicious breakfast to set us up for the day and she also gave us the makings of a packed lunch which I prepared for today – thanks for everything Janet. All too soon it was time to go.
We said our goodbyes and made our way down to the local Co-op where we met John Ross, the minister of the local Free Church of Scotland. We talked about our walk and he told us that he regularly walks in the area and, like us, he enjoys walking the high route that we walked on Monday. Lovely to meet you John. We bought a few things from the Co-op, then went to the post office. We eventually left Drum at 11am walking along the A831, which was quiet with not much traffic at all.
We walked by a pretty church and noticed that it has John Ross as their minister. Just a little further on we turned right onto the A833 towards Beauly.
A very steep road – the road sign said 15%! The road snaked round and upwards for quite a way – managed it though.
Through the trees we had our last glimpse of Loch Ness in the distance. Not too much traffic on the road so we were able to march on easily.
We had a couple of snow showers but nothing too serious. We started looking for somewhere to camp around 5pm.
The road was long and straight and we didn’t find anywhere straight away. Either the ground either side of the road was too steep or it was fenced off. We needed water so I knocked on the door of a small cottage by the road. Barbara gave us some water and I asked if she knew anywhere that we could pitch our tent for the night.
She pointed across to her garden. Barbara also made us a very welcome cup of tea – thanks Barbara. Pasta for supper – thanks Dave.
PS just noticed that the website address in my previous message has a gap in it – should be http://www.shetlandtoscillyforpeace.com . You’ve probably picked it up anyway.
Best wishes
Andrew
I don’t know where you are on the planet just now, Dave and Dot, but I have just found your slip of paper in the pocket of the trousers I was wearing when we met outside Drumnadrochit Scot Mid. I have enjoyed browsing some of your very well complied and beautifully illustrated blog – I especially, but not only, enjoyed the pictures of this section (Drumnadrochit to Kiltarlity), not least the one of our wee kirk. May I wish you well in your travels. If you return to Drum again, I hope we can meet once more.
We’re back home now John, Forest of Dean, England. Glad you found the “flyer” and had a read of our adventure. We remember that morning, chatting to you at Drum, and finding your fine kirk. We plan to return next year by car and will try and meet up again. Thanks again, Dave and Dot
We were travelling along the A833 on 27th April on route to Rosemarkie in our motorhome when we saw 2 people walking Land’s End to John O Groats the weather was turning pretty grim, we said they’re either mad or heroes, we felt guilty that we hadn’t stopped to make a donation. What a shock to receive The Review this week and find that you live in Cinderford, same as us. Well done on your achievement donation to follow.
Hi Both. Thanks for your comment. I think we had not long left Drumnadrochit heading for Kiltarlity and the weather that day was grim. Don’t think it counted as one of our bad days though weather wise. The Virgin Money Giving is open till the end of the month if you would like to make a donation thank you. Thanks again, Dave and Dot