2022 - End of 100 Mile Charity Walk - Postscript

So now we're home, safe & sound, I'm trying to get everything fixed in my mind.

My abiding memories will be of the stunning majesty of Scotlands vast and varied landscape.

The extensive mirror-like Lochs on sunny early mornings.

The forests with their cathedral-like columns of fir-tree trunks. 

The towering mountains rising steeply from the glen floors, enveloping and looming over everything like some massive wave of stone.

From the start . . . . at a cold and breezy Fort George, in the company of my three WRAC Association comrades Moira, Margaret and Ann.

To the end . . . . 

at the similarily cool & breezy Fort William in the company of my two WRAC Association comrades Liz and Janette, I have thoroughly enjoyed walking the Great Glen Way (plus a bit!!) 

Denise and I were lucky enough to be staying in a quaint cottage, The Malt House, in Fort Augustus for the week. 

We've found self-catering works best for us. 

The cottage was on the narrow peninsula between the River Oich & the Caledonian Canal at the western end of Loch Ness. 

Denise also managed to find an excellent coffee shop, the Caledonian Canal Centre, a couple of hundred yards from the cottage. She became such a good customer they gave her a loyalty card! 

We left the cottage very early this morning and made good time along the twisty and sometimes narrow A82 to Fort William and then through Glencoe. As it was so early the traffic was light; at times the road was deserted but still, in the middle of nowhere, we came across roadworks . . . .

and the traffic lights were red!! 

The road snaked onwards to Loch Lomond where it became even narrower, pretty but a bit hairy! 

Thank the Lord that Denise was driving. 

On the eight and a half hour drive home we stopped once at a suprisingly 'pretty' services area, Annandale Water, on the M74 where we had coffee and swapped drivers. 

Now we're home, the washing machine is working overtime, we've fed & watered and it won't be long before we're both fast asleep.

Next year's 100 mile Charity Walk is already in the planning. Where might it be? Just a hint maybe - where have I not walked yet? 

Roll on 2023!!

As I publish this, thanks to all the wonderful people who have already donated, I have managed to raise just over £3,000 plus Gift Aid for my two charities, the Women’s Royal Army Corps Association and The National Caribbean Monument Charity.

If you wish you can still donate to my Give as you Live page at: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/marg-davies-100-mile-walking-challenge

2022 - Day 7 - Part 2 - Spean Bridge to Fort William

Thursday morning dawned bright & sunny, as did I. We made our way back to Spean Bridge and the tarpaulin-wrapped Commando Monument. At least it was all kind of down-hill from here! 

I have to admit that the first half of the walk beside the amazing Caledonian Canal was the most peaceful that i've done; just the chirrup of different birdsong and the occasional splash of a passing canoeist or the  quiet, leisurely chug of a slow moving 'Gin Palace'

I found myself thinking of my Grandfather, Norman as I stepped along the path jauntily swinging my shortened walking pole like he used to swing his walking stick. Even at 80 years of age he never seemed to use his stick as a prop but more as a dapper swagger-stick. 

After I'd gone about 4 miles I stopped by one of Telford's mooring bollards for my snack-break. Yesterday I heard one cuckoo, briefly. Today, up Glen Moy, the thing was going bonkers. Some poor little birds were going to work hard to rear their 'adopted' off-spring!!

Break over I set off again still amazed by the tranquility of my surroundings. 

The scenery was wonderful and the woodland and flora were stunning. 

At this point I met the occasional pair or group of walkers/bikers but they were few and far between. I stopped & chatted briefly but must admit to my brain becoming so chockful by this time that many of the names have disappeared from my memory. I do remember meeting Les and his wife from Northwich who had just completed the West Highland Way in glorious weather. They had a few days holiday left so thought they'd also do the Great Glen!! I also met a group of two couples from Texas who were on the first day of their Great Glen adventure. It took me back to my days in the WRAC as one of the guys kept addressing me as "Ma'am." Happy days!! 

I stopped for a rather breezy lunch beyond Torcastle. Breezy because today, for the first time since I started my walk, the wind had veered from the north-east (at my back) to the south-west (in my face).

I set off again meeting more & more people as I travelled. Some were starting their journey, some were just out enjoying the surroundings and some, like me, were almost at the end. Everyone kept saying, "Not far to Neptune's Staircase." 

 I don't know why but, in my head, Neptune's Staircase was Fort William - well, as near as dammit!! 

Oh how wrong can one be?

I descended the staircase,  crossed the railwayline and continued beside the canal to the locks at Corpach where it meets Loch Linnhe and eventually one reaches the Isle of Mull and the sea. 

The pathway then turns south-east beside Loch Linnhe where they're doing major coastal defence work so it was all fenced-off! I did wonder if, when I got to the end, the Old Fort would also be fenced off like Flora MacDonald at the start and the Commando Memorial!! I took a picture of the Loch towards the sea. I could make out terraces of cream houses in the distance but thought nothing of them; I had reached Fort William after all. Hadn't I?

Oh no I hadn't! I was in Caol and still had Lochyside and the River Lochy, Inverlochy and the River Nevis to negotiate before I reached Fort William!! So on I went with the ever looming presence of Ben Nevis glowering down at me. 

I had arranged to meet up with Liz Dixon of Stirling Branch and Janette Dean of Edinburgh at the Old Fort at 4pm. I was a bit early (1515hrs) so thought I'd check that our table booking at the Brewers Fayre was OK!! I also posted my Day 7 - Part 1 Blog. Oh well, might as well have a swift half whilst there!! 

 I was chatting to the barman, Mark, whilst waiting. He was from Capetown, South Africa although his parents were originally from North Yorkshire. He kindly bought me a pint as a way of congratulations for completing my 100 miles! I claimed my pint after I'd met up with Liz and Janette.

It was just gone 3.30pm when I made my way the last couple of hundred yards to the Old Fort. 

It was fairly exposed and breezy so I put my fleece back on and wandered round the ruins taking photos and reading the information plaques. So relieved and engrossed was I that I failed to notice two ladies apparently shouting to me (they'd tried to phone but mine was on silent!!!) and waving at me. Finally Janette ran towards me calling my name & I woke from my reverie!! We greeted each other as only sisters-in -arms can do!! 

We found an unsuspecting walker to take some pictures then, photo-shoot over, we headed for the Brewers!! 

They bought me a lovely meal with red wine (I also claimed my pint from Mark) and we chatted about my walk and our time in the army. Whilst talking about the disbandment of the WRAC and the changes there had been and still were happening Liz mentioned one of the disadvantages that I'd not thought of. She said the worst thing was the sudden ending of inter-WRAC Company sport. Female sporting competition suddenly just ceased because troops were now amalgamated. I think it has picked up again now but initially it just suddenly ceased!

Denise arrived from Base Camp 2 and we had another drink! 

I have been really blown away by the generosity and kindness of all the ladies of the WRAC Association who have travelled vast distances just to wave me off or welcome me home. 

It is this camaraderie that is the backbone of the Association and the reason I do my walks; to publicise all the good that this charity does; the way it reaches out to all women who served. 

Thank you to everyone who has supported me and donated through my link to the Association and the National Caribbean Monument Charity. 

You can donate to my Give as you Live page at: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/marg-davies-100-mile-walking-challenge

2022 - Day 7 - The End - Part 1

I've just arrived at the Brewers Fayre near the end of the walk. I'm meeting Liz Dixon & Janette Dean at the Fort William ruin in a few minutes but I thought I'd do a bit of Blog whilst I wait! 

I started not far from the screened Commando Memorial and have another couple of hundred yards to do.

Glad it's over but also kinda sorry!!

I'll write more after I get back to Fort Augustus later tonight (or tomorrow morning if I'm too tired!!)

2022 - Day 6 - Laggan Locks to Gairlochy & Spean Bridge

Beautiful sunny start to the day. Denise drove me down to Laggan Lochs where we just got over the Swing Bridge before they closed it! I had hoped to see it in operation but seemingly they were just doing tests as the road re-opened shortly, just as I was waving Denise goodbye!!  

There was a short, about a mile, walk between the north and south locks along another section of the Caledonian Canal. I then had to cross the lock (wishing a "Good morning!" to the lockeeper who was cleaning the lockhouse windows. Then it was on round the northern side of the Loch which was like a polished mirror gleaming in the morning sun. 

I had thought that the walk was going to be 'beside' Loch Lochy, as in next to, within spitting distance. For much of todays walk the Loch was about 30/40m or more below me!! The walk started out on a smooth enough track which, once past Kilfinnan (Finnan's Church), the burial place of the Chiefs of the MacDonalds of Glengarry, turned into a rather dusty, stony track.

Its saving grace were the stunning views that I was afforded along the way. The weather was amazing, sunny with little wind and it wasn't long before my fleece was off & stuffed in my bag. 

There was much evidence of forestry work having taken place. In some patches the trees had been felled and dead  & dying branches the only evidence that they'd been there. In other places there were swathes of newly planted saplings stretching high up the mountainside. In keeping with meeting folks from the USA I met Karon and John from Montana and we had a nice chat. At one point on the track I came across an area where some large logging lorries were stacking logs ready for transport. I'd gone about a quarter of the way when I stopped for a snack break. I found a beach with a log ideal for sitting in the sun & munching my Trailmix Bar (homemade by me!!) 

Suitably refreshed I continued on my way. As I was heading back to the forest track a large, empty logging lorry hurtled past at breakneck speed, stanchions rattling noisily and clouds of dust billowing out as it passed! That was a good miss I thought.

Back on the track I plodded as it undulated  its way south-west. I hadn't gone more than half a mile when I heard a thundering in the distance behind me. "A vehicle!" I thought. It got closer and louder and was probably travelling at a lick I also thought!! I got as far off the track as the terrain allowed (only about 6ft) as the monster, a fully laden logging lorry thundered past without any change of speed! I realised he had a job to do but . . . really?! I waited till the dust cloud had subsided and then continued on the track. Again, I hadn't gone another half mile before I heard another ominous sound in the distance behind me! Again I got as far off the path as I could (about the same as last time) turned my back & held my breath. A second fully loaded logging lorry thundered past again throwing up a massive cloud of dust as it roared and growled into the distance. I half smiled to myself as I heard it changing down the gears as it laboured away. "That'll teach you!" I thought. Suddenly I realised, if it was labouring to climb then so would I!!

Sure enough, I came to a short, steep climb at the top of which was a lady in a High-visit jacket who told me to keep walking through and that "the lads" would stop their work whilst I went past them. So down a short, dusty, stony dip I went passing walkers and bikers travelling in the opposite direction. Then I had to climb up the otherside of the dip towards where "the lads" were working. First I came across a Grab Machine that was there to stack the ready-cut logs. Beyond him were two other machines working in harmony. 

The 'lads' at the bottom of the slope in high-vis jackets had chainsaws and were clearing the felled trees and attaching them to hawsers. 

The guy in the machine closest to me then hauled them up the slope and deposited them by the other machine which picked each massive trunk up, stripped the branches off and cut it into required lengths. Fascinating to watch.

From there on it was mostly downhill (while still undulating). I passed another forestry lady in her high-vis jacket at the other side of the logging operation. Just before Clunes, around about halfway, I meant to stop and have my lunch. At each point I thought I'd stop I met walkers going in the opposite direction! First there was Bill & Nicky from Colorado who had just recently completed the West Highland Way and had climbed Ben Nevis yesterday!! Eventually they said they were mad! Then I met two couples from Manchester (UK!). They had been staying at a B&B where the landlady had kindly pointed out the peaks so they were able to confirm which of the peaks I was looking at was Ben Nevis!! They also gave me a mint humbug, another reason for not having lunch till I'd finished sucking it!! Then I met a whole bunch of walkers who were also from the States. One couple from Seattle and the others from New York. I did ask what the fascination was for walkers from the USA. They replied it was for the wonderful walking. I guess, fewer wild animal threats, companies that specialise in moving your luggage from place to place; and one lady did say she felt safer walking in Europe than in the States. 

I also met two pairs of female walkers who were camping wild!! My hats off to them - I like my creature comforts!! Sally and her friend (Sorry, I couldn't remember how to spell it!!) were enjoying being able to walk for as long or as short as they wished each day: no deadline to reach. Must admit that could be an advantage but not one I'd trade! The other two ladies agreed that their packs were heavy. Their remedy was to eat the heaviest food first!! 

I eventually stopped for my sandwiches just after Clunes. Clunes Bay was used by the Commandos during WW2 training for practising assaults from Landing Craft. 

I found a sandy beach in the sun to contemplate their sacrifice and to also marvel at the weather and scenery. Who needs trips to Trinadad & Tobago? 

The road to Gairlochy was easy enough but from there to the Commando Monument at Spean Bridge was an uphill slog. Then, when I got there the bl*@!# thing was covered in white tarpaulin for cleaning! 

Well that was worth the effort - NOT

The picture had to be taken though.

Denise picked me up and we made our way back to our cottage at Fort Augustus. 

An interesting day with fabulous scenery. I can't get over the stunning views.

You can donate to my Give as you Live page at: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/marg-davies-100-mile-walking-challenge

2022 - Day 5 - Invermoriston to Base Camp 2

Much nicer weather this morning. The sun was trying hard to shine as we set off for Invermoriston. 

Before Denise waved me off she ensured that I had started my gizmo! After a reasonably flat road bit I headed for the hills climbing about 50m until I reached the forest track. 

The pathway ran beside the forest 'road'. I looked at the road - wide, smooth, slightly undulating, gentle curves. Then I looked at the pathway - narrow, exposed roots, up and down & round and about! The road won! It was fairly easy going for the first few miles as I smuggly looked down at the pathway dipping & rising & twisting beside me!! 

Today was a gentle day, a day of savouring and reminiscing! A good day. The weather was find and my aches & pains were minimal! 

My 'savouring' was being amongst nature at its best. Spring is such a joyous time; how can one not smile at the inner sunshine provided by primroses, daffodils & gorse? I saw a patch of clover (or maybe wood sorrel?) but didn't stop to see if there were any of the four leaf variety. 

I've also seen masses of wood anemones and today saw my first violets of the year, at first in dribs & drabs hiding among the rocks and leaf litter then suddenly, round one corner, in a blaze of triumphant glory. 

My 'savouring' today was not only blessed with the miriad of spring birdsong but also suddenly a small, white-rumped deer on the track in front of me.

I watched as it moved off unconcerned to the vegetation to its right. 

I continued walking cautiously towards where I'd last seen it. It spied me before I spied it and it took a couple of 'bounces' further into the woodland. It stopped and looked over its shoulder at me. Then it was gone its white 'targeted' bum bouncing away deep into the woodland.

My reminiscing was mostly about my late father who would have loved today's walk. I kept thinking back to walks in the hills and mountains of mid Wales, particularly around Dolgellau and Cader Idris.

It was he and my mother who gave me my love of walking. Like them I also combine it with comfortable accommodation and good food & drink! 

As I was walking in the dappled sunlight between the majestic fir trees I couldn't help but smile as I remembered my father taking us for a walk in the cool of a forestry plantation on the Preseli Mountains in Pembrokeshire on very hot summers day. We got there to discover all the trees had been felled and there wasn't an ounce of shade!

Today (& other days) has been a day for Meeting some wonderfully friendly walkers some of whom have amazing stories to tell. On Day 2 it was the lady from Canada walking the last day of the GGW & the Café owners at Abriachan. Day 3 was a family on E-Bikes from Edinburgh. Day 4 were Ben & Karen from Maine also walking the GGW and the young man who overtook me on our way into Drumnadrochit; he was on Day 4 of walking from John O'Groats to Lands End in 50 days!!! Today I met a lovely chap just as I joined the forest road who had started in Fort Augustus this morning! He was also walking from Lands End to John O'Groats but had started in 2018 then Covid hit!! He hoped to finish next week. I also met a 62 year old lady, Chris, from Colorado who was walking the GGW to Inverness on her own. She had had a brain aneurism 10 years ago which required a major craniotomy. She was told she'd never walk again! Red rag to a bull!! She'd walked in Portugal, Portugal (her favourite) and had done the West Highland Way (never again she vowed!!) Parts of it she negotiated on her hands & knees!!

People are as amazing as this walk and it's scenery. Makes you glad to be alive x 

You can donate to my Give as you Live page at: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/marg-davies-100-mile-walking-challenge

2022 - Day 4 - Back to Drumnadrochit & Plan A

Today was a bit of a damp start as you can see from the car windscreen! Rainwear on & ready for the off. Denise drove me back to Drumnadrochit to complete stage 2 of the Great Glen Way that I couldn't do on Sunday thanks to them-thar pesky cyclists!!

I get so excited/flustered/anxious when she drops me off that I sometimes forget what I'm doing! Today was no exception - I got going out of Lewiston and eventually started to climb. It was whilst I was catching my breath at around 150ft that I remembered that I hadn't started my gizmo!! 2nd day of operator error!! That's a couple of miles to add to today's total I thought!! 

After another 50ft or so of climbing the pathway came out onto a dead-end minor road and I came out into the full force of the misty, mizzley rain. I was still climbing but more gently now. There was more traffic on the road than I was expecting but then there were more 'holiday' rental homes & lodges than I'd realised. There were also other local businesses like a "Woolery"? A pottery and a rather untidy farm. 

Whilst I was enjoying the scenery in between the low cloud/mizzle I noticed a discarded Pepsi bottle lying in the moss beside the road. I 'tutted' and picked it up. A bit further on I saw and collected more evidence of in-human stupidity. It seemed such a shame to litter in such a beautiful place. The picture shows the litter I'd picked up over about a mile & a half!! 

After a couple of miles the path veered off to the left as the roadway came to an end. It was nice to be off the road. The rain had stopped, the sun was trying to shine and I found a little burn to stop and have my snack! 

 The only problem with running water is you then need to "use the facilities" Fortunately there were plenty of trees a bit further on. 

The walk today was a little kinder on my feet. The forest tracks  although sometimes quite wide, seemed to have a softening layer of sand, peat and pine needles cushioning my footfall. Having said that, today was long and arduous. The pathway undulating fairly steeply. I felt that the undulations meant I was more frequently climbing than descending - probably just my imagination and aching legs! 

At a point some 300 metres above the lovely-named 'Primrose Bay' the pathway forked. I could go right and take the High Route or left on the Low Route. I sat on a convenient bench and ate my lunch whilst I contemplated which route. Actually no, I did eat my lunch but there was no way I was going back up into the clouds and rain!!

Lunch over I made my painful (Oooh! My poor knees!) descent towards Alltsigh where I crossed over near the old packhorse bridge.  . . . . and then started to ascend again! 

Did I ever say that there were a few things I don't 'do' when walking? Cows, mud and hills!! The hills mainly because I know that when you go up you've got to come down and vice versa!! 

So, from Alltsigh towards Invermoriston the Low Route climbed, it undulated to give me some respite, but it climbed. At a point just north and above Invermoriston I was at 200m. I could see the car park where Denise would be waiting for me. It took me 30 painful minutes to make that descent! 

I carry a lot of things with me on my walks (Denise says too much!) Today the thing I forgot were my walking poles!! They were in the back of the car!! 

I was so relieved ( and exhausted) when I got in the car that, guess what? I forgot to turn off my gizmo!! 

About 2 miles into our journey back to Fort Augustus I remembered!! Oh well, at least I didn't have to add the two miles I'd forgotten at the start!! And I'm sure Denise was doing more than 17.3 mph!!