Day Nine

Well. I’m glad I took that pragmatic practical approach. 

This morning I woke up, looked at the weather forecast, and accompanying met office warning for thunder, lightening and heavy rain and decided (well trained walker that I am) that I would take the low level route. This misses out two waterfalls, some great views but also several miles of exposed hilltops. It seemed like a sensible choice. 

Merrily I set off, waterproofs at the ready. Along the loch past the marina (didn’t stop, I’ve learned not to indulge in cafes too early in the day) and past the burned out remains of the Crannog Centre (I was really sad to see that the Cronnog itself had been destroyed last month but the museum continues. I saw visitors trying their hand at spinning and had to stop myself rushing in to sort them out.)

I carried on through the village along the river and then rejoined the road.  Never one to break with tradition I did choose to step into the yarn shop I passed. They do food too so that was why I really stopped. I didn’t buy anything else.  Quite an achievement. 

The day didn’t look like it was about to descend into thundering chaos as predicted but it was humid so I was prepared to believe the weather might change.  Put simply,  it didn’t.  

I wandered along in blissful sunshine and really rather enjoyed the walk along the river.   Walking on a little path rather than the road is somehow quicker. Having to look where you put your feet and the changing landscape make time pass. I’m trying to learn the names of more wild flowers and found yarrow, sneezewort, st. john’s wort, ragged robin and wolfsbane.  I enjoy the names as much as the flowers. 

I got to my Aberfeldy hotel, no rain had materialised and I was in fact rather sticky from the humid conditions.

It won’t surprise you to hear that after four days of wild camping the first thing I did was jump in the shower. Never has one head of hair taken so much washing. It was slick with sweat, sun cream, insect repellent and possibly some actual insects. After scrubbing myself down several times and checking for any sneaky tics (none found, lots of itchy bites but I’m blaming the midges and bloody cleggs for that) I turned to washing my clothes. Had I bought more pairs of knickers this wouldn’t have been as urgent but sometimes, needs must. 

Jobs done, devices charging, bag unpacked, food bought and I’m settling down for an evening in front of the TV. 

The weather incidentally, is still absolutely fine.