Highland Drove Walk - Day 6

Loch Quoich to Loch Garry - 18.5 miles

We had a good night's sleep and woke really early to a sunny day and a stunning view. We knew this leg would be all road walking but what we didn't expect was the breathtaking views for the whole stretch.

Finding shade and regular feet dunking became the norm but the highlight came during the hair-washing episode. I thought I had some dirt between my toes but when it didn't budge I took a picture and realised it was a tick. The last time I found one I panicked and pulled it out without any finess. This time however I kept a cool head and removed it the wrong way :) I will learn one day. It took us a good 10 minutes to make a good-sized hole between my toes and remove anything tick-ie. After this mini-episode, we took extra care; and only collected 3 more ticks.

I find it interesting to see how we try to keep our brains engaged when there is nothing else to do. Kicking a pebble for 0.5km, finding the best and comfiest looking rock to occupy for breaks, walking on the narrow grassy bit next to the road to keep our feet a break from the tarmac, hopping after cute froggies or talking to Wee moo (aka Highland cows) all part of the "try not to go mad" game. We did see a deer standing in front of a house possibly waiting/demanding her breakfast. She didn't even bat an eyelid when we walked past, was surreal.

We did meet a lovely couple who stopped twice to chat with us and gave us directions to a cafe (only 23 miles away) I was super proud because I understood 75% of what they were saying but absolutely adored the sound of their accent. The final stretch was the hardest and Eddie confirmed that this was his "most fu.ked day ever" with 40,000 steps - I have to admit, trying not to laugh was almost as hard as a 20-mile walk :). The camp was next to Loch Garry (seriously) with some great views and a gentle breeze to keep the midges away, thank God. Having a dip became interesting when Eddie brazenly went headfirst for a shallow dive. It was funny to watch his reaction when he surfaced but not as funny when I went in for a super quick sit-and-splash session. Dinner was very chilled but as the skies threatened rain we moved inside quickly. Not 30 minutes later the heavens opened up and gave us a very soothing soundtrack to fall asleep to.