Day 70 - Inverness to Beauly

Today was different in several ways. It was the first full day's walking on my own since October; the sun shone all day; I was road walking the whole time; I was no longer on the Great Glen, so things were less spectacularly beautiful, and, in towns and villages, less touristy; the walking was mostly flat.

I followed the A862 all the way. This was quite a busy road, but there were good verges to walk on - and for the last 3 miles a cycle-way. Initially there were good views across the Moray Firth, but then the road moved inland and the countryside was more ordinary - or at least it was for someone who had been spoiled by the Great Glen for a week!

I arrived in Beauly by 2.00 and had a coffee and a wander before checking in to the Priory Hotel, named after the mediaeval Priory close by.

I was glad of a shortish day, as tomorrow will be rather longer and I have been plagued by a sore throat which has been developing since before I left home. I hope I get my voice back before tomorrow, because I will be walking part of the day with my friend from Southwell, Peter Garrood, who happens to be on holiday up here.

Another good hotel - though I am adding to my list of things that the fussy visitor (me) 'needs' and which few hotel rooms seem to have - a plug socket near the bed, so you can charge your phone overnight and have it near you. And another thing while I am being fussy - I often by a supermarket 'meal deal' to eat en route - sandwiches and drinks fine, but the choice of snacks in Scotland seems much more limited. Where is a flapjack when you need it?

River Beauly

13.39 miles today, 104.98 this trip, 1086.87 since Land's End (Sums adjusted yet again, now Strava is working properly - unlike last night!)