Cottage Diary - Aspenwood self catering luxury Holiday Cottage overlooking Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland.

The weather forecast was accurate about Sunday. After a very starry night on Saturday we woke up to a slightly misty morning but this soon disappeared down into the water of the loch and left us with a beautiful blue sky. There was a slight frost on the grass and by midday the temperature was only 8 degrees and chilly. We wrapped up warm and went up into Farigaig Forest for a bracing walk crunching on the grass as we went along and eventually reached the small peaceful loch near the summit. The correct name on the map for this loch is Lochan Torr an Tuill but the locals refer to it as the wee pond which is much easier to pronounce. Glad to see the forestry have now put a new bench with seats there as it is a lovely place to sit and rest after a strenuous uphill walk. The reflection of the trees in the tranquil water was breath-taking and there was a slight mist wafting over the surface of the water. We had to be very careful where we trod as there were plenty of frogs and toads trying to go about their business in the undergrowth. Walked up to the point at the top and looked down onto Urquhart Castle jutting out onto Loch Ness on the opposite bank. A beautiful and invigorating walk right on our doorstep.