TGOC'26 Day 6 Melgarve Bothy to Belgowan

Had another excellent night, indoors.  When I originally planned this route, I was sleeping inside only 4 nights and the rest I would be in my tent. As it is turning out, it might be reversed, with only 4 nights in a tent... We shall see. The weather did come down last night and it was lightly raining when Andy and I set off today. 

This was an eerie sort of morning. The clouds were moving really fast and it was 20 minutes of rain, then 20 minutes of almost sun and the cycle would repeat itself. You didn't know when to put on or take off your rain gear. 

Leaving Melgarve Bothy you can see more of General Wades bridge building. 

Today will be a long road walk. It won't be all hard pack, but a good portion of today will be. Walking the road is much harder on your feet than even walking in heather or bog. In fact, for ever mile on hard surface, it is equivalent to 5 miles on a path, when it comes to how your feet feel at the end of the day!

Today will be 15 miles on this type of surface. 

There was still fine scenery today along the path. The only good part about walking along a road is that you can walk side by side and chat. Waiting on the next front, you can see the Monadhliath Mountains ahead that I would have been up on starting today. 

Reaching Garva Bridge

next round of mist and rain along with another bridge

more sheep with lambs 

maybe a good decision to not be up on that hill right now? 

A nice view of Spey Reservoir and Dam, in the back. 

While not officially on the Spey Side Way yet, We have been following the River Spey the entire day. The Spey River starts at a little lake close to Melgarve Bothy.

Deer in the field (below) 

Once you pass the Spey Dam you enter a little section of farm land. The Coul Farm runs this whole length of road, a little more than a mile long with a breathtaking backdrop.

Main Entrance to Coul Farm

After that, a steep road section takes you up and over into Laggan. Laggan is a very nice tiny village with an exceptional coffee shop, that does lunch and cakes. I ended my day in Laggan in 2024

It was good to see that they have continued to be open and doing well. Cider, Latte and Cake for me, just what the doctor ordered for being on my feet all day. 

I remember taking almost the same picture, of this Church yard, in '24 leaving Laggan

2026 above  

2024

Leaving Laggan, you have to walk along the very busy A86, for just a mile and half, to reach the community of Belgowan

Where we were done for the day and meeting up with Emma and Carl

Emma and Andy on the porch of the Hobbit Hut. This location is called Tigh an Each, It is also known as Laggan Glamping. I can highly recommend it. The owner was very nice and she welcomes Challengers.

The hobbit hut had plenty of room for 4 people 

Andy (seated), Carl, Emma. It was great to have Carl take the extra time to drive here as well

Emma made a fantastic curry dish. Not being used to curries, I requested a mild version as to not be up all night... 🤣

More on and off storms rolled through and of course the apologetic rainbow appeared again. 

Just wait around a few minutes and the weather will change on this Challenge

Andy and the "horse"

Andy got this horse (inflatable pogo stick) at Cougie. It was left for Andy by Lindsay to carry across Scotland. Lindsay has a mascot stuffed animal named "Sir Dave the Beaver". He has his own Facebook page! That is another story... 

Andy thought that he had forgotten "Muffin" at Cougie. He was distraught, as he couldn't find her for 2 days. When Andy cleaned out his pack here at Belgowan, Muffin was, unceremoniously, stuffed in the bottom of Andy's pack.

Challenger Shenanigans... 😀😉

Day 6 Summary and Stats:

There were several variations of what could have been done today. Our actual route is in blue 

Extra special thank you to Emma, who while not on the challenge this year,  Still set up this fantastic stay and meal today.