Sep 22, 2008
Part 2 of my journey across Scotland. From Fort Augustus my original plan was to do an overnight hike across Corryairack Pass and then along the paved roads to Kingussie. That's a trek of about 58 kilometers with the major ascent and descent coming the first day with the climb and descent of the pass. Instead I decided to take a more relaxed approach and do the segment over two nights. This would make for hiking days about approximately 21, 12, and 18 kilometers respectively. This would yield wonderful benefits in the amount of time I was able to spend immersing myself in some of the more social aspects of the Challenge.
Places I stayed at:
I did not get a room at Monadhliath Hotel (near Laggan) but slept next door inside the ruins of the old church. I probably could have stayed at the bunkhouse down the road but by the time I learned about that and went down there I decided it wasn't worth shifting camp. Relaxing in the dining room of the Monadhliath Hotel chatting with the other Challengers over dinner and drinks was a real treat. This is a place I would definitely visit again.
In Kingussie I stayed at the Tipsy Laird Hostel. The access to the pub was fantastic and the food there was plentiful and tasty. And while my shared room was certainly adequate and I can't complain about the price I was less than thrilled with the lack of a towel (maybe I could have gotten one somewhere) and the so-so shower stall. Kingussie has many places you can stay so I expect that if I return Ill stay someplace else but still eat at Tipsy Laird.
Sites of interest:
You can find some of my trip journals for this trip at A Wandering Knight Blog. Other journals and much more at my main personal site.
The official site of the TGO Challenge.