Monday 8th July 2024 - Cruising relaxing Loch Linnhe

 Monday  8 July

Breakfast was from 0730 and our bags had to be out by 0800.

We departed the hotel at 0830 and were on our way to Fort William. A very cloudy/ misty start to the morning.

We arrived at the Neptunes Staircase around 0920 and departed at 0945

There were 5 or 6 yachts going through the locks when we arrived. Watched them pass through 1 lock and then back to the coach.    I took a couple of videos.

After that visit, we then went to Corpach, to catch another view of the Jacobite Steam Train passing through. Much closer than we were yesterday.

We were back on the coach by 1030ish and Angus is taking us up to an area where we can get a better view of Ben Nevis. About 2 minutes later, we came to a stop, as apparently the yachts that were coming down Neptunes Staircase earlier had reached the bottom, as the swing bridge was now open to let them pass through and the road traffic was stationary.

Traffic started moving again about 15 minutes later. Richard helped fill in the time by telling us about one of his “memorable” tours. Sounded very much like a Fawlty Towers episode.

1110 and we reached the Nevis Lower Falls, so we offloaded from the bus and walked up the road for a short way, to take photos of the falls. Small falls but impressive, none the same.

We were back on the coach by 1120 and heading back down the mountain.

We were dropped back in town to have some lunch and walk the main pedestrian street. I bought myself a souvenir tea towel that has a map of most of the places we have visited.

We all met up again at 1240 before boarding the boat Elsie, for our cruise on Loch Linnhe.  This is a saltwater loch and there is a seal island on the Loch.

We were back at the dock and on board the coach by 1615 and on our way to Inverness.

First up was a quick “comfort” stop and then we had a 10 minute break at the Commando Memorial at 4 pm. 

Shortly after that we came to a very short standstill because of roadworks, where one side of the road is closed for about 500 metres. We were quickly on our way again.

Angus is often pointing out little bits of interesting things along the way. 

1630 and it’s suddenly raining.

We are driving along side Loch Ness & tomorrow we are taking a cruise on it.

We arrived at the Palace Hotel & Spa and I was checked in and had received my bag well before 6 pm. 

Dinner was booked for 7:15pm & we all met together before heading into our own dining room. I was sitting with Janine & Joe from the USA, Kate & Adrian from NZ and Richard, our TD.

Another delicious meal. I didn’t take any photos of the dishes.

Back to my room by about 9pm and once I have uploaded this and downloaded some photos on Flickr, I’ll be heading for bed.

Night all

EDITED: 6,369 steps today.