River Beauly and Lovat Bridge walk

After a long lie in at the Struy Inn we had a good breakfast and left at 10am to do a 5 mile walk along the River Beauly and up to Lovat Bridge and back.  We had originally planned this as a run but our legs were just too tired after the efforts of the past few days (well I speak for myself at least!).

This was a level walk so wasn't too challenging and again the scenery was lovely. The River Beauly in particular is very picturesque and peaceful and fishermen were positioned at various points. The woodlands that we skirted and passed through were lush and the woodland floor was carpeted with bluebell, gorse and cow parsley.

The walk took us around 2 hours as we were going at a reasonably relaxed pace. Following that we headed to the Beauly Gallery for a cuppa and then on home.

Loch Affric Circuit

What had originally been planned as the Glenfarrar Munro circuit became the Loch Affric circuit when it became clear that the weather wasn't to be too good.  Still, it was an 11 mile walk along good paths, across streams and through some wonderful views of Lochs and Munro's - a promise of what was on offer on a more clear and sunny day.

The low lying cloud gave the area a bit of mystery and atmosphere.  We couldn't quite see the peaks of most of the hills but later discovered that the ones we were marvelling at were all Munro's.

Half way round the walk we stopped for a well deserved cheese and pickle sandwich at Strawberry Cottage (a Walker's Hut). Our legs were quite weary after a 10k run the previous day and it was quite a long trudge back to the car park. Still, it remained dry and the birdsong, scenery and smells of the undergrowth and gorse kept us in high spirits.

We completed the walk in around three and a half hours and made our way to the Struy Inn where we were booked in for the night. We headed for a pint of local brew and had a good bar meal in front of the fire before heading to bed for the longest sleep we have had in months!