16 May 2013: 18km. Started 11:00 approx. Arrived 16:15.
Breakfast was served at 08:30. There were two couples who talked to me about my expedition. I was lucky to have slept well as I had been in a room at the back of the house and those at the front had been listening to the road being resurfaced until 02:00am.
I could have left without my boots and gaiters as my host had forgotten that she had taken them for safekeeping.
In view of the relatively short walk on what I was sure would be easy terrain, I spent a leisurely half morning buying maps for the next part of my journey, postcards, stamps and food as well as looking at all the gadgets the outdoor specialist shops had on offer. I was not tempted by them given my success in posting so much home the previous day. I even went back to Wetherspoons for coffee.
The route out of Fort William on the Great Glen Way passes through the Lochside estate – a “garden city” built by the aluminium company. Reaching the canal, the first stretch includes the awesome Neptune’s staircase – a ladder of locks. Folk were friendly and I talked to several including a couple on a caravan tour, planning themselves to be at Dunnet Head in two weeks time, so I expect I will be there after them. There was plenty more to see including a swing bridge and two small aqueducts. There were views too of the impressive Nevis range – and this looked impressive in the sunny weather.
Part of Neptune’s Staircase 
Loch and mountains 
Swingbridge over canal
I was soon at Gairlochy, from where I was collected by my hostess from the B+B. I enjoyed dinner at the old station in Spean Bridge, even seeing an aluminium train passing through.
Where's Kathryn? 