We had a more leisurely morning, not leaving for our walk until 9:30. We walked along the canal and then up a wee hill to catch some more views. This time we could look up the length of Loch Ness and see those great hills we climbed yesterday. Heading down the hill, we passed through some farm fields encountering a handsome Highland cow. He posed nicely for us, but we kept our distance.

The hills are covered in yellow flowers. Most seems to be gorse, but there is also broom. It takes a close look to tell the difference. The broom tends to be a brighter yellow, with softer greens – the gorse is more prickly. And the gorse smells like coconut when you’re surrounded by it.

Jo and I collected loose wool that the sheep had left behind, thinking we’ll do something with it when we get home – I have some ideas.

We came out of the pasture alongside another lock and had fun watching tourists poorly maneuver their boats. These locks are very big, allowing 4 boats to pass together. Cam gave us a little history lesson about the abandoned machinery at the lock (boat stopping methods of the early days), and then we continued our walk along the canal tow path. 

At noon, we came to the Fingal docked at the locks above Loch Oich and we hopped on board for lunch. Darren had quite the spread set out for us – platters of sandwiches (at least 4 kinds), sausage rolls, charcuterie board, and salad.

Once we were sufficiently stuffed, we set off on foot again and the Fingal set off for the night’s docking at Lagan Locks. The afternoon walk was a flat walk (phew!) along the canal and on and old railroad path along the length of Loch Oich. More sheep, a game of Poo sticks on a suspension bridge, great scenery, a bit of railway trying to be revived, a glimpse of Fingal as she passed us, and another afternoon filled with laughs brought us home for the evening. It was very hot today, so I opted for a cold drink instead of tea on our return, and some fresh shortbread cookies.

Parked across the canal from us is the Eagle, a floating bar. We couldn’t pass up the chance to visit that, so we headed over and sat on the deck with drinks and more great conversations. 

Time for another delicious dinner from our chef. Tonight was Scottish venison stew with vegetables and banoffee pie for dessert served in individual glasses. What is banoffee pie? Besides being delicious, it is a British dessert made with a crumb crust, topped with bananas, dulce de leche, whipped cream and chocolate pieces.

After our nightly map session, most of us turn in fairly early. We’ve made it through 5 days of walking with 2 more to go. It looks like we’ll make it to the west coast!