Waking up early in Balmacara, we saw a hooded crow wandering around the site, looking for food and heard some noisy bikers passing by. We left to continue along the A87 passing through Kirkton which has a shinty pitch, Auchtertyre, Nostie, Ardelve and into Dornie which sits where Loch Long meets Loch Alsh and Loch Duich. Loch Long Bridge is a rather uninspiring concrete construction.

Just over it we pulled in near a pier where there were views across to the Eilean Donan Castle

and where I heard the first cuckoo of the season. There was the usual array of fishing tackle on the pier.

The road continues along Loch Duich, passing by Inverinate before arriving in Kintail. On the hillside just before the River Croe runs into the loch is St Dubhthac’s ruined church and Clachan Duich burial ground.

The path into the churchyard is named Kevin’s Way after a local 19 year old who was tragically killed. There is a memorial stone dedicated to him.

The war memorial is situated further up the hill

Over the bridge we had a coffee at The Pit Stop at Kintail sited next to the side road to Morvich. Afterwards we had a forage in the shop behind which has an amazing variety of goods from grocery and off-licence, crafts, antiques, gifts and much more As we re-joined the A87 it began to rain. At the head of the loch there is a dead fishing boat. At Shiel Bridge the road then runs up Glen Shiel with the Five Sisters on the left and The Saddle on the right. There are various memorials to the 10 June 1719 battle during the Jacobite rising. They were defeated by the British. It was too wet to explore more closely.  The snow was still on top of the mountains.

The rain had eased as we descended a little past Loch Cluanie which has a dam as part of the hydroelectric scheme. The A87 turns south and after passing Loch Loyne, we entered Lochaber and descended on a winding road to Loch Garry.

We had lunch at a view point before continuing alongside the loch to Invergarry.

A little early to get into the campsite we stopped off just south of the town near a farm which had several Highland Cattle.

There was also a boat sailing along the Caledonian Hotel.

We settled into Faichemard campsite which is situated in a forest above the town. The pitches are very spread out and it is quiet.

Our pitch was next to the pond.

and we had a visit from a mallard duck.

He returned the next morning for some food, a preen and a sleep. A hooded crow also came for a drink. After breakfast we walked into town for the papers. The River Garry runs just south of the road through town. The children were back at the primary school after the Easter holidays. The parish church had floral cross in front.

The heritage centre and café were shut unfortunately but we walked back along the riverside path.