Lochan Torr an Tuill.

After the final blizzard of a dying winter last Wednesday we are now experiencing Spring at last with the temperature into double figures. All 5 Ski Centres in the Highlands have had their best season for a long time and they are all staying open until May. Good Friday was literally a good friday, chilly but with a clear blue cloudless sky. It encouraged us to go on a 6 mile walk. We strode out along the forest road beside the river and up to the bridge, through Farigaig Forest trails and up to the 'wee pond' as it is known by locals which is alot easier to say than its official name of Lochan Torr an Tuill. We were surprised to see all the damage done on the trees by the weight of the snow and ice during the earlier months of the year and the forestry staff must have worked flat out to keep the road clear. The 'wee pond' was very calm and peaceful but still surrounded by patches of snow. The scene from the top bench viewpoint overlooking Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle was awesome and well worth all the huffing and puffing to get there. The Easter weekend saw a variety of boating craft on the loch - cruisers, the Fingal barge, the Ness Express RIB, private yachts and even a few kayaks. It is good to see the boats and walkers out again and it is so pleasant to be able to sit outside and watch the world and his wife go by.