Log No 84. Wed 17th Jul 2013 - Craig Bothy to Shieldaig, 20 miles (1350 miles walked)

It was dry when I first got up but it wasn't long before the rain started so I was glad I hadn't camped last night.

An easy footpath saw me to Lower Diabaig in an hour.

The next section to Inveralligin was much more difficult.

With steep rocky slopes right down to the water the only way was up.

Once I had found the start of the path I went through some trees and then an area if ferns.
In a way I was fortunate it was raining as with all my waterproofs on it didn't worry me having to wade through head high ferns.

With the ferns so high it wasn't easy to see the path.

After I was through the ferns it was an initial very steep climb over slippery rocks which eased up to get to a small loch.

The path was easy enough to follow but the weather conditions meant I had to constantly watch where I placed my feet.

After walking round a second loch the path gradually descended towards an isolated building, it might have been another bothy but I didn't investigate.

Then it was back up again and generally staying high and contouring round streams before the descent to Inveralligin.

I had no idea what the time was as my supposed waterproof watch had lost it's display, it had been okay on the last day of constant rain.

In Inveralligin one enterprising landowner had taken the Pick Your Own idea to a new level. His vegetable plot was completely Self Service including "Dig Your Own Tatties" and then "Weigh, Pay and Takeaway".

I found out later that the proceeds went to a charity.

Another footpath took me to Torridon House and the road to Torridon.

My stomach was telling me it was time for food so in one of the interludes of light rain I stopped and ate all my lunch.

Half an hour later I was in Torridon and called into the cafe for soup and a pot of tea, the clock in the wall showed 13.15, I had been walking non-stop for almost 5 hours!

One of the serving ladies gave me a £10 donation.

The rain had more or less stopped by the time I left the cafe and now it was the main road all the way to Shieldaig.

The campsite here was unlicensed and free, it just being a field in the village with no facilities but there was a Public Convenience in a car park.
Pete & Sharon in the next tent made me a drink of tea while I pitched mine.

The shop here closed at 17.30 just before I got to it so as it doesn't open until 09.00 I will have a lie in tomorrow.

In spite of the rain the 20 miles were enjoyable.