Walkin in a winter wonderland...

Billy Connolly tells a joke that copper wire was invented by two Scotsmen fighting over a penny. In possibly the most expensive Kingdom to visit as a non-pound-earning tourist, I thought Scotland might be a nice retreat from A$10 coffees and A$150 cab rides. So I decided that, while KT had to work, I would skedaddle to Scotland and walk the Great Glen Way - a 118 km walk from Fort William to Inverness, in the Scottish Highlands. And I would get to see Loch Ness as well!


My tightass journey started in London, where I went to the British Library while waiting for the train to Fort William. Price of admission A$0.

The very noice British Library next to Kings Cross Station, London. I think the guy on the left is trying to pinch out a giant loaf.

London keeping an 'eye' on Big Ben. Ha-ha.

Changing trains at Edinburgh, I ducked out of the station for a quick geez at the locals and their loverly buildings. Edinburgh Castle is awesome. I will definitely be back to Edinburgh, maybe to study? Cost of visit: A$0.

. Edinburgh. Where the main thing I noticed was that everyone seemed to be good looking.

I stayed in Fort William at an noice little backackers for A$30. Then off bright and early on the start of the walk. Here are some piccies of the four day journey...

This is what the Scottish Highlands look like at 6am in February when you start out early because you're shit-scared you're not gonna make it to the next village by sundown. I almost had nowhere to rest my head this night but found the kindness of a lodgeowner who let me kip in a vacant holiday lodge down by the Loch.

Fort Augustus. My godsend after two days without phone or internet, or villages with a population of more than 3, INCLUDING the local dog. Sis, I had a hot chocolate here and the mug said 'Brodie' on it!!

It really came down in places. My beanie froze at one stage. This is in the forestry track on the highlands near Loch Ness.

Frozen stone bridge, Invermoriston. That night I stayed with old Mr and Mrs Greig, who put me up cos no one else would take me. God bless 'em.

Climbing out of the Glen and over the range to Drumnadrochit. This was a killer hike on a trail that seemed to wind back on itself. Ran in to some forestry loggers who looked at me like I was mad.

Interesting close up of grass, on the the top of the hill. Loch Ness in background.

The castle at Inverness. My journey's end.

I made it!

And the costs?

Travel (train, foot, hitchhike and plane): A$150.

Accommodation (five nights): A$200.

Food (Tesco is a wonderful place): $A40.

Now I reckon that's a bargain for the You-Kay.

Anyways, London can keep its poundage, I am back in the land of the sane where everything costs what it should and you don't have to times things by three to work out what it's REALLY costing you.

Miss ya terribly Sis. I've got Sis withdrawal!