A slightly later start today because breakfast didn't start until 8am.
A lovely meander along the side of loch Oich. It was pretty windy and damp to start with. Loch Oich is short and The path picks up the canal again pretty quickly. It's a quiet, uneventful route up to Fort Augustus. A fairly easy 10 miles on canal towpath.
Then it changes!
A steep ascent on to the high path ( there is a choice to take the low route but I preferred the look of this one). The reward is outstanding views along Loch Ness. You really get a chance to see how big it is from up here. I decided to walk the steep ascents then jog/walk the undulating path following the loch from up high.
I also used poles on the descent. I know purists ( cousin Jim) would say they are for wimps. I hereby fully admit my wimp status. I was really worried for my knees. I still have a distance to go and the poles were a saviour.
It's my first time running with poles, I wasn't looking forward to it but ended up really enjoying it. I also never used to understand why people would not run downhill full pelt. Today I understand! My knees felt like they might break into 2 at any moment so I also walked a bit on the downhill ( weirdo).
In summary I ran 10 miles then made my way up, along and down (during this time I walked more than ran! ). The route is getting tougher but also more scenic. This is by far my favourite section of the path.
Total ascent 560m / 1840ft