View from Farigaig pier.

Although we are still surrounded by quite deep snow the temperature today is +3C and the ice is beginning to melt at last. All the snow on the garage roof suddenly slid off this morning making us jump. Luckily we were not underneath it. Not able to get our car down the driveway yet so arranged to meet friends at Inverfarigaig pier and go into Inverness. While we waited we strolled out on to the pier for a look at the panoramic views to Inverness and Fort Augustus. After shopping in town we all sneaked a lunch out at 'Contrast' on the River Ness which was very enjoyable. Today it is quite misty with a very low cloud base and a grand reflection on Loch Ness of the snowy fields. Urquhart Castle juts out into the loch against the snowy backdrop. We feel that the thaw is at last on its way after 4 weeks of extreme winter weather. There is the first showing of greenery emerging in the forest behind us and we saw a red squirrel dash across the snow this morning and up to Aspenwood. The birds are not quite so desperate for food and the bird bath has now been cleaned and full of fresh water. Hadn't filled it up long when we saw a robin splashing about in the water in the bath....good to see at last.

Farigaig Forest Walk.

We have recently added a new laminated walk to our Walks Folder in the cottage .... 'Walk from Aspenwood Cottage through Farigaig Forest'. Have been meaning to do this for ages as it is the pleasant circular walk we often take from our own doorstep. It is the walk along the forest track in front of our house parallel with the shore of Loch Ness, up to the lane for a short while and then turning into Farigaig Forest via Easter Boleskine House. At the house turn round and there are splendid views looking down Loch Ness towards Fort Augustus and beyond. As we walked we recorded things to look out for, took photos and roughly measured the time it took - about an hour and a half at a very leisurely pace. It is now in a laminated cover and available for guests to take out on their stroll.