Wild camp to Abriachan Eco-campsite: LEJoG Day 72

A walk down to Drumnadrochit then up again to an eco-campsite, on roads, paths and forestry tracks.

I was glad I was able to brew up a cup of coffee with my breakfast before I decamped as the nearby tearoom at Loch Ness pottery was still closed when I detoured to check. As the door was open I glanced around at the blue pots on show. From there it was a single track road most of the way to Drumnadrochit, by several cottages, fields and rough ground. Several cars and delivery vans drove down the road forcing me onto the thin strip of rough ground beside it, so it was fortunate that where possible those behind the Great Glen Way had made paths beside the road out of the way of traffic. My final descent into the valley where the village of Drumnadrochit nestles was on a track through trees. Urquhart Castle, a romantic ruin by Loch Ness was two kilometres out of town, I considered making a detour to visit it, but to preserve my knee I headed to a café instead for a beetroot and hummus toastie. On the green a Saturday market was selling handicrafts and honey to a crowd of visitors and their dogs. 

Saturday market at Drumnadrochit.

Urquhart Castle from a distance, on a promontory into Loch Ness.

Walking on the pavement beside the busy A82 after the village, cars and coaches rushing by, was not the best part of the Great Glen Way but contrasted with the enchanting path up through tall pines to higher ground that followed. The Abriachan forest is a community owned area of trees and moorland. I was headed for the Eco café where I had booked to camp. On the tree lined path leading to it, the birch trees were rapidly losing their leaves, which lay yellow and brown like old confetti on the ground. A series of hand painted signs tempted me (and others I learnt) with suggestions of Grannies Lemon cake among other delights. After signing in at the "track and trace" book and sanitizing my hands I ordered the promised cake and coffee. Both were supplied in generous amounts, the sponge deliciously light. I was directed to a delightful, secluded spot under a pine tree to camp, flat with short grass among the surrounding heather, and advised on the location of the composting toilet. Well off grid with no piped water or mobile signal I am sadly unable to phone my wife. I am hoping she does not worry. The couple running the place are off to a mobile cinema in Fort Augustus tonight leaving me in charge! The lady appears in a film (called "Launch!") being shown on the history of lifeboats saving lives at sea for 200 years. 

Another resident of the eco-campsite.