Greenfield to Cluanie

[revalation]

Day 2 of my trek from Fort Augustus to Morvich. After being dropped off at my finish point the previous day (Greenfield), I was on my way in fair weather.

Bridge over Loch Garry to Greenfield

Loch Garry

Before reaching Greenfield (walked the previous day) there is a forest track sharp right after a farm building - there are good views of the mountains to the west.

The track is good all the way to Garrygualach. There does seem to be farm activity here, but all the buildings still appear to be derelict. There is a bridge across the burn and path continues past an older building on the right.

Derelict building at Garrygualach

Second abandoned building

After Garrygualach the path follows low lying ground along the River Garry for about 4km. It is boggy, but there is a fairly distinguishable path - you just have to be a bit careful where you walk (quite spongy in parts), but really appreciated the scenery.

After passing the remains of buildings, things do get really boggy and where the cattle have trodden, very messy. I lost the path here. I made my way accross the stream to a new building and new track, then a bit of cross-country through rough cut down forest to the forest track leading to the bridge.

View over River Garry towards Loch Poulary from bridge

Finally reach road again at Poulary. The scenery along here is impressive especially Loch Poulary and the mountains in the distance. Hardly any traffic on this road.

Loch Poulary

After a couple of kilometres, the path leaves the road and the 350 metre climb out of Glen Garry begins. Definitely worth taking a breather from time to time just to look back and enjoy the panoramic views over the glen.

Having left Glen Garry, the descent down to Glen Loyne begins. There is a feeling of remoteness here (although there is seemingly a good 4G connection) and the views down are very satisfying.

Not much remains of the deciduous forest marked on the map, though the mature dead trees add to the atmospheric scenery. There looks to be plenty of great spots for wild camping along the River Loyne and there are plenty of places to cross without getting feet wet.

Glen Loyne

I made my second path error of the day taking my eyes off the map, turning right too early but it turned out to be an enjoyable mistake. By the time I realised it, I didn't want to backtrack, so decided to make a steep energetic climb over Creag Liathtais but the views were spectacular, the higher I went which made it worthwhile and perhaps a bit more interesting than the recommended route.

View from Creag Liathtais towards Loch Loyne

The old road to the Isles (old A87) also comes into view (now submerged by Loch Loyne - Google "old A87" for more info).

I descended from Creag Liathtais returning to the official path and then eventually to the Old A87 - it really does give an appreciation of what "A" roads were like back then, but makes a great end of day walk down to Cluanie where my lift awaits.

Old A87

Loch Cluanie

First view of Cluanie Inn

Cluanie

An excellent day's walk in dry, fairly sunny conditions. Possibly the best scenery on the Scottish National Trail so far and yet I know the best is yet to come.

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Next stage: Cluanie to Morvich https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=100549