After the rain

Day 95 of the End to End, sponsored by Christine and Richard of the Lay Community of St Benedict, was dry. After the very wet day yesterday, that was very welcome.
We went to the Well of the Seven Heads for breakfast. This rather gruesome title refers to a monument that remembers a blood feud of the MacDonalds, the story being engraved in stone. It stands over a well that runs into Loch Lochy. The breakfast at the cafe opposite the well was excellent, as were the cakes and sandwiches we got for later.
Bob dropped me off at Laggan Locks for the beginning of the walk. The clouds had cleared and we had good views all day. The Laggan Locks are the highest on the Caledonian Canal and this relatively short section of canal leads into Loch Oich.
The walk along Loch Oich involved a disused railway line so it was level and pretty straight making it an easy walk. Attempts are being made to rebuild Invergarry Station and it even has a very small engine.

After yesterday’s rain all the little streams were full and the foliage green and abundant. Bob walked towards me and we met about half way along that section. There was one tunnel.

We soon arrived at The Bridge of Oich, which has in fact several bridges. One is a swing bridge over the canal. Another is a road bridge for the A82. The third is a suspension bridge which was built after some severe floods in 1849. It is now in the care of Historic Scotland. Only 50 people are allowed to use it at once.
After a picnic by the bridges we took a brief drive to Fort Augustus for a bit of ice cream and shopping as it was a lovely afternoon.

From Psalm 139

You see me, whether I am working or resting and you know everything I do.
Even before I speak, you already know what I will say.

It has been a tiring section of the walk since the last rest day on 7th July. Having done 3 ways: the Three Lochs Way, the West Highland Way and now 3 days of the Great Glen Way, and passing 900 miles, we are going to have another rest day tomorrow. It is also our 28th Wedding anniversary

God grant us a quiet night and a peaceful end.

JAL 19.07.2019
Day 95 of the End to End, Laggan Locks to Bridge of Oich.