Monster the Loch, a Highland Adventure

The first day of rowing was gruelling, with blustery head winds and a brief but heavy rain shower. They set off from Neptunes Staircase, a set of locks near Fort William on the west coast, and rowed along the Caledonian Canal for eight miles, before emerging into Loch Lochie for another ten miles. Spirits were buoyed by excellent company and stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Ben Nevis just to the south. They ended the day with aching backs and blistered hands, but also with big smiles.

Day two was a modest ten miles, along the length of Loch Oich. Again the amazing scenery was enjoyed.

After a rest day came the big event, Monster the Loch! Some one hundred and twenty rowing boats of all shapes and sizes were assembled on the beach at Fort Augustus, and hundreds of rowers swapped sticky tape, Vaseline, and tall stories. Clubs from the South Coast were well represented, with Celtics from CRAC, CYC and Langstone and a ladies crew from Bosham. The row along the length of Loch Ness is twenty one miles, so they were grateful the wind and weather were favourable. By now Sarah and Pete felt very much a part of the Clevedon gang and rowed together in one of their three Celtics. It took around four hours to complete the race, finishing just outside Inverness on the East Coast.

Aches and sore bits became pains and pains, but they ploughed on. Again, the spectacular views kept spirits high, as did periodic bouts of cheerful singing, and happy banter. Finally the end was in sight, and they slid onto the beach with more smiles.

Sarah and Pete are very grateful to their new friends from Clevedon who made them very welcome. They first greeted with handshakes, but finished with big hugs!