Day 3 - Glen Strathfarrar to Cannich Campground

JM has fallen quickly to sleep so I snagged the blog tonight.

After the tick infestation last night, our first priority was to shake out all gear again before packing up. My worst nightmares involve ticks. We probably killed about 50 ticks inside our tent- micro baby ticks too- gross. Our mistake- camping spot had longer grass and tick nests- obviously!!!
The trek down past Monar Lodge into Glen Strathfarrar looks like track on the map (=trail). We arrived to find it is all asphalt! Aggg. Road walking! Road walking sounds appealing because the ground is finally level; however, the harder surface leads to more wear and tear on the feet, knees, hips, well basically the whole body. The weather was cloudy with sun up ahead.
As we walked we realized we had seen very few cars. Two cyclists approached and explained the road is gated as there is hydro activity up the whole lake and only residents can get through. I mentioned if they saw a body lying on the road upon returning, to just call for help. We later learned the road does open to the public but not on Tuesdays. Jackpot! Great for walking.
The glen was spectacular. We saw approximately 100 or more deer- they are always tentative, I’m not sure how our walking pace could seem intimidating… We also saw two groups of wild goats! They look like the images of the Billy Goat Gruff. Very cool. There were all kinds of interesting birds too. The Glen is wooded the entire way- very unique to be in natural woodlands in Scotland. Lexi, I tried to snap some tree and plant pics just for you.

For Lexi

For Lexi 2

The feet were feeling the pavement but we kept on trekking. About 6 km from the end we spotted the cyclists returning. I quickly launched myself face first across the road. They loved it and stopped to chat for about 20 min. Everyone is so friendly. I had slyly righted myself as I forgot how hard it is to get up with a pack on your back. Lol.

At a resting point about 21 km in we needed to make a decision to stick to tomorrow’s original route on day 4, which included a 4km off trail portion or re-route to avoid the off trail.
After talking to some locals who advised it is all bog on the off trail section —> we re-routed. It has been wet here lately making off trail bog hiking about as enticing as a root canal.

Reroute Map Consultation

The re-route ended up adding quite a few km, after 33 km we walked into Cannich enroute to the campground. A 1.5 km addition led up to the local grocery store followed by the Ramsay Arms pub for nourishment. 

JM - Mutton Hot Pot

Mandy - Fish And Chips

Sticky Toffee Pudding - Two Spoons

Limping back to the campground held the promise of flat, tick free ground and showers. We were also able to FaceTime Sammy on his 17th bday. 

Three days done and 87 km walked. Tomorrow is a hotel night- laundry and luxury. 20 km of trail will lead us to Drumnadrochit.
I have felt at times that JM may be trying to kill me but then I remember he is walking the route too.🤪
Amazing scenery and weather today. Bodies are paying the price but will re-charge with sleep.

Blisters- Mandy’s pinky toes bad- one blood blister now. JM using preventative measures to keep threatening ones at bay.
JM left knee very sore. Hard to stick KT tape to his hairy legs!

Day 3 Route - 32.75 km, 340 m ascent