Seafield Lodge Hotel Grantown-on-Spey

... grim, but great views nonetheless. Perfecto. Completely justified my decision to climb it so early. It took about 45 mins again to get down - it was steep and the ground a bit loose, plus I was already getting random blisters (not good for the next climb ha!). About a third of the way down I saw the first "other people" of the day, who ...

... phones through to the AA and books a transporter to take me back to take me back to Nottingham (East Leake).

Tow truck 1, turns up at 11:50 to take me on the first leg of the journey home from Fort William to Stirling. This takes approx 3 hours and I get dropped at Stirling service station where I am supposed to be met by the next tow truck. It takes about an hour for the next truck to turn up. Which was arranged for 14:30

... will go out of their way to help a stranger.

Things that made me smile today:

The multitude of frogs and toads enjoying the wet ground
The two couples who gave me sponsorship at Inversnaid
Feral goats at Inversnaid - the book is not wrong about their smell!
All the lovely people I met at the youth hostel
The drying room - it was extremely hot and all my kit is now properly dry!

... from the American and Canadian embassies in South-East of England. He very kindly shares his bottle of wine with me and we have a lovely supper. He's off to join his wife in the US until January when he gets back and I'm very envious that he will be in glorious sunshine soon!

What makes me smile today:

The thought that whatever the weather I have a bag of warm, dry clothes
Hugh's generous sponsorship and sharing of red wine. Thank you Hugh!

Hereth begins my life in Scotland! For the moment I am staying in a tinsy little place named Blairhoyle (yeah, you might have to Google that one), that maybe isn't worthy of being called a "place", it is just out in the sticks, but its rather ...

... that I'm taking it face on. I'm frustrated that everyone I meet coming the other way looks almost dry! Still, my waterproofs and boots are doing an excellent job and underneath I'm not really wet. The moor seems bleak in this weather but on a clear day there are obviously stunning views to be had.

Heading down to Inverornan, the clouds suddenly roll away and the sun comes out. I take my chances and stop for a quick snack, revelling in the chance ...

... t too low so there are still plenty of great views to be had. For the first six or so miles I see no-one and then the onslaught of walkers who've made an early start from Kinlochleven begin. I meet Julia, a lovely Northern Irish lady, who's only got a few miles to go and further on several more walkers who are finding the last stage heavy weather and are asking how much further!

Coming out of Kinlochleven I meet a local man, who must be in his ...

It was a day of rest today. It rained all day long and it was actually a welcomed respite. We have been going every day since we arrived nearly 2 weeks ago. We did attempt to go into Aberfoyle to the local market, however, the roads had a different idea. When we arrived at the edge of town, the road was flooded and we could not go any further. We simply turned around and came back.

... which cost £3 in parking. Bought all our required items for our flat (just like making house again!)....including a duvet and sheet set as we only have one set and no dryer, and no where outside to hang stuff to dry.....ugly again. Got these at Woolworths for £15. Had great success with prices today, got coffee and Marks & Sparks for a mere £1.85. Then hit the food department in M&S...oh my......heaven on earth! Spoiled us with fresh ...

... It is also located in an area filled with hiking, mountainbiking, etc activities as well as a gym and a yoga studio! I spoke to someone who has worked at the exact same place and told me it was a good location. It's a perfect way to save money for travels. It will also keep me busy as there is alot of overtime work if I want it. Lucky I love the wilderness otherwise it may not be a good idea. Can't wait to start making some money! Now ...