Falls of Invermoriston, Saint Columba’s Well, and Telford’s Bridge

Day 11 Walking, Sunday, June 16

The Holt, Fort Augustus to Bracarina House, Invermoriston 

8 miles WALKED in 4 hours, with breaks. 

24915 Steps

Invermoriston in Gaelic - Inbhir Mor Eason

Scottish porridge with blackberry and rhubarb preserves mixed in for breakfast.  

Phil, my host delivering breakfast to the sunroom in his chefs coat and hat.  

Took the Lowland route through the pine trees and above Loch Ness, which was mostly seen through trees with occasional views.   The air in the woods reminded me of high elevation smells in western US mountains. 

Didn’t see any other hikers on the path I chose, but two bikers came up and road off heading towards Inverness.  

Where the high level route rejoined my low level path the two Germans from breakfast came striding down.  They too are staying here at Bracarina House tonight, as is quiet Katherine, a very quiet and shy Katherine.  

Two of the Best Croissants in this trip were purchased at the post office/pharmacy/grocery/gas station.  Warm and crisp on the outside, soft and moist inside.  They were eaten during breaks to rest the heel.  

View of Loch Ness looking north.  Pack with a croissant on it waiting to be chewed.  

From the path today a brief glimpse through the trees was seen of Cherry Island, the only island in Loch Ness.  “The loch is a u-shaped trench scoured by the glaciers which left behind no rocks big enough to form island.  The “island” here is really a man made dwelling known as a crannug crannas, from about 2,500 years ago.”

As it was Sunday the forestry and water supply crews were not out in the woods working.  Used a pile of large blue plastic piping stacked on the side for a rest.  First sat on the side, then stuck the right foot up to elevate, then the left leg joined.  Soon this entire person was stretched out on the pipes relaxing.  It felt wonderful and almost became drowsy.  

Nap time on plastic pipes.  Felt Great!

Studied the shifting clouds for 20 or more minutes and was reminded of that bike trip in Door County (Gary!). 

Arrived in Invermoriston too early to check into B&B so tried to find things to do.  

Different kind of motor home/camper was seen. It was a German IVECO and the owners were touring here for two weeks.  A bit larger than they typical drive in this area with small narrow roads. 

Stopped to look at the Old Bridge of Invermoriston built by Thomas Telford (of the Caledonian Canal fame, the Pontcysylite Aquaduct, and around 1,000 other bridge in Britain) over the River Moriston. 

The Falls of Invermoriston.  

Visited the Clog and Craft shop and talked with the lady inside who was doing something with needle, thread and leather.  There was a very large skull outside on display and asked if it was a Highland cow (didn’t really look the right shape though).  And no, it was an African cow.  There is a law in the UK that skulls and bones can not be taken out of the country due to the possibility of Mad Cow disease.   

Just on the side of the main road.   “It is believed that a well, or a spring, has been on this site since early Pictish times.  Until the 6th century AD the water was considered poisonous causing boils and ulcers to appear of splashed on skin.  Then Saint Columba on his way to visit Brude (a great King of the Pics) drive out the evil spirits around the well and blessed for all time the water coming from it. The water was then clear and pure and was said to have great curative power.  It may even have been the source for what is now Loch Ness...but that is another story.”  

Saint Columba’s Well - furans-cholium-Chile

The Press and Journal - The Voice of the North (paper) and the newsstand/general store were closed 😬

Trouble with pampering an injury causes other joints to compensate.  Left knee began to complain.  Good thing a set of knee braces is traveling with in the pack.  

Not sure yet about tomorrow.  To Walk or Not Walk.  That is the question.  Tomorrow will tell. 

Trust people out here in the countryside. Backpack can be left outside restaurants/pubs/stores, but I do take the Leki trekking poles with always. 

Wandered into the local cemetery to inspect the old graves.  Rain began to fall.  Pull out waterproof jacket and covered pack.  Sat out the shower under tree cover and on a gravestone. 

Food this evening was from the Glenmoriston Arms Hotel and Restaurant right next door.  The original building was a drovers’ inn and dates from 1740. Actually it is the ONLY place for food.

I had from the ‘starter’ menu - Oak Smoked Scottish Salmon, served with dressed salad leaves, capers, cucumber and horseradish cream.  Very tasty, but the portion of salad greens could have been larger.  

“Focus on the journey, not on the destination.  Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.” Greg Anderson

Lois is working on focusing on her personal journey, and absorbing each day - even if it is not the miles walked as anticipated.