9/9/09 Day 9 up to Invagarry 96 miles

The day started bright & cool. The sun rising over the hills across the Loch glinting on the lone Guardsman War Memorial. We’d been warned that this was a tough day starting with a long stiff climb out of Invarary. Most of us circled the town once or twice to warm up then tackle the hill. Starting steep there followed a long slow drag up to 700ft over 7 miles or so. On the climb it rained but as we descended down to Loch XXX the ruins of Castle Kilcher with towering hills beyond. We then skirted the Loch with the railway. In the warm sunshine and gentle breeze we sped along past lovely Hotels houses & more ruins. In the pass of Brander the road had been built out over the water’s edge.
There was a topical surprise. As we approached the morning drink spot under the bridge at Connel we were greeted by strains of the bagpipe! A bloke had been practising over the road in his house & Jason had invited him over. Nice touch.
Around & over the bridge we went turning North again & picking up the SW wind. Lunch wasn’t far, just on the banks of Loch Creran where we all squeezed under the gazebo as the rain fell. Some of us went along the new cycle path, then out over the bridge, and into the wind to Portnacroish. We had Fort William in our sights..this is seriously ‘North’ now
We passed through the centre of Fort William – AndyH needed some new cleats. The ‘bike’ shop didn’t have any!!! Outside we met two chaps who were on the way South. With extremely heavy bikes & baggage they were making slow progress…it’ll be as long way for them to get to Cornwall. Along the way we have waved to many other small groups of JOGLErs passing south…
Our afternoon water stop was to be at the commando Memorial up the hill just after Spean Bridge. The run through to there was sunny warm & wind assisted…magic!
This memorial is a huge bronze statue depicting 3 commando soldiers. Big in every sense this magnificent memorial really displays their qualities, as they stare out over the cloud topped Ben Nevis across the valley.
The descent down to, and along the banks of Loch Lochy was fast & beautiful – Tim & I raced back trying to get my average to 15mph – this was achieved..but lost as we tried to find the Lodge.
Invagarry Lodge has several rooms with bunks – large kitchen, sitting room, and dining area. We were treated to a fantastic meal of jacket potato & trimmings + haggis! All cooked by the DA lads – thanks.
There’s been a lot of banter & facebook activity. Also Andy-Pro won the foot ball sweepstake for third goal. (it already being 2-0 by the time we finished supper)
I had a visit from Jane (who works at my Practice) & her husband, who happen to have been camping nearby.

97.1m 6h30m at 14.9mph 3976ft climb
TOTAL 777m TOTAL CLIMB 36181ft