Corriegour Lodge Hotel Fort William

... the bus onwards to the Isle of Sky. It sits just west of the mainland, over a very pricey bridge - the budget had been about 8 million pounds which blew out to over 32 million pounds, due to ****** weather and some endangered otters nearby. The government then drew the locals ire when they bought the ferry terminal (which had been the other form of transport to the island) and closed it down - meaning everyone had to use the bridge and pay the toll - which was the SAME as what you ...

... It's about 24 miles end to end and about 1/5 miles from side to side. Despite our best Aussie haka, Nessie didn't come out to visit. <br> Further along the Loch to where we are staying tonight AND tomorrow night - two nights in one place, how amazing! We're in a 4 bed room with our own ensuite - our room for those playing along at home? Braveheart of course! We're heading off soon to a Highland History performance, then back to the hostel for some ...

... now. Apparently in teh 90s they did a sonar search of the lake and apparently there are 18 creatures in the Loch but living way, way, way down in the Loch. Ross did seem quite straight faced when he siad this but I'm not too sure!!<br><br>According to legend St Columbo banished the creature to the Loch because he hassled his comrades during his time he spent in Scotland converting the locals. The first ...

Finally back at home. It's been 15 weeks and 12 countries (14 technically, but a stopover in Sydney and stepping on Zimbabwean soil whilst Bungy jumping don't count). There's been highs and low's throughout, but on the whole, the experience has been fantastic and completely and ...

... for reasons best only to the planners, winds its way around the housing estates of Caol, through some marshy land and finishes on a roundabout opposite Morrisons and McDonalds! Not really a fitting start or end to a National Trail! <br><br>What makes me smile today:<br><br>The sunshine - it was really hot today<br>The lovely people at the Great Glen Hostel<br>

Today's section sees a route up over the hill into Fort Augustus and then onto the Caledonian Canal through a series of locks to reach Loch Oich. <br><br>About four miles in I meet Ian, who is parked up off the path and is frantically making sandwiches to feed what looks like a small army. He's the support team for a group of 14 former Coldstream Guards who are walking the route to ...

... down to Invermoriston. I'm sure it was worth it really!<br><br>Invermoriston sits on the junction of the main turn off for the Isle of Skye, and the road between Inverness and Fort William. It's clearly got a bit of an issue on the food front as it's got plenty of good places to stay (and my B&amp;B is no exception) but only one place (The Glenmoriston Arms Hotel) that serves food in the evenings! I have ...

... slow in the mornings and dealing with the tent etc isn't helping!  I'll see how I get on over the next few days (my pack is still a reasonable weight!) and if I need them then my friend will drive them down.<br><br>A few miles from Inverness I meet my first "on foot" End-to-Enders!  This is a group with a difference - they've been doing the route in stages over the past ten years fitting it in around work and family commitments.  They're on their second-to-last ...

... my leg sunk through the snow into a narrow fissure between two rocks, my momentum carried me on whilst my leg stayed behind. Luckily I had the walking sticks out and could support my upper body as I screamed for help. There were a few puzzled looks before everyone realised I was in danger of a broken leg. Ian and my brother were closest and they rushed to my aid - pushing my upper body backwards and extricating my leg. Once we ...

... already started their lunch. They figured they had lost me...no...really! Pork pies and salad...yummy. Afternoon was spent reading paper, snoozing, watching kids play games or watching TV. J was on the go all the time. Anne was gossiping with sister P in her quiet room. I made an appointment to see the optometrist in Fort William. Dinner for seven with conversation revolving around death and religion. Taxes fortunately were not mentioned. It's raining.