Day 8: Inverness to Drumnadrochit

Distance: 15.6 miles
Time: 5 hrs 15 mins
Weather: Sunny
Cumulative distance: 137.4 miles

A route change and a gentle stroll along the edge of Loch Ness.

I met Lynda at the Castle Tavern last night and it was good to exchange travel stories over a meal and a few beers. Lynda is touring Scotland by car in a unique figure of eight shape, but seems to have experienced more rain than me. I returned to the hotel just as Cinderella's coach was about to depart, my latest night so far.

Breakfast entertainment was provided by a 2 year old Chinese girl who poured a pot of yogurt over her head! The best part of breakfast was finding out that I have now reached my £10,000 target. I haven't got Pat Snell's email details with me, so I'll have to thank him publicly for his generous donation which took me to the target and promise him a beer when I return some day. Of course, I'll now have to increase my target!

I crossed the river to collect my boots - the stretched right boot immediately felt more comfortable. I can't thank the staff at Craigdon Mountain Sports more - they were so helpful. Hopefully I can now continue without discomfort.

I checked out of the Premier Inn and the two girls at reception made a donation when I explained what I was doing. The Premier Inn has been perfect for a long distance walker seeking rest and recovery. The spacious rooms, hot baths, comfy beds, eat-as-much-as-you-like breakfast, early check in / late check out, and friendly staff tick every box. Just a shame that head office didn't reply to my two invitations to make a donation on the basis that I had paid for a handful of nights' accommodation during my journey (If anybody reading this has employment connections with Premier Inn or the Whitbread group, perhaps they could pull a few strings!).

Due to my late start and wearing 'adjusted' boots, I shortened today's route slightly. The first few miles, along the towpath of the Caledonian Canal, were idyllic and reminiscent in some ways of my training walks along the Thames towpath. My boots were much more comfortable and, having discarded a few pounds in kit, my rucksack felt so much lighter.

I arrived early in Drumnadrochit, so popped into a local shop to buy a cool drink. Taking pity on me, the lady gave me a home cooked sausage roll.

Have a great weekend!