Climbing over rock mountains (II)

To recap: The two man team of Burke and Wills (A.K.A. TS Trudgian and WR Usher, respectively, and indeed, respectfully) trekked down from Inverness to a wee town of Drumnadrochit on the shores of Loch Ness. But the act of leaving, never an idle moment, proved to be a test of their fortitude. Supplies of roast chicken and a cheese selection had been left (accidentally) in the hostel fridge, and minutes before the bus was scheduled to depart a chill ran up the spine of our intrepid sojourners. To stay and be assured of travel but not of food, or to dash back through town in search of a sympathetic face at the hostel who may direct them to their food?

Naturally, inspiration was drawn from the one, the only:

surely Mawson wouldn't leave food behind - the decision was made.

As an act of sheer Scottish stubborness, most of the Loch Ness tourist centres and lake tours were not operational during the winter months. After a bit of walking, our explorers came to an abandoned hostel - its chipped paint sign welcoming visitors a stark reminder of more prosperous times. Doors were knocked, halloes cried, but the halcyon days of business had long since passed away.

Thence a journey up the road less travelled by, which certainly made all the difference. Remember now that the packs were laden with camping apparel which hitherto had gone unused. Signs were ahead saying "Urquart Castle 1 mile" - but it seems a Scottish mile is longer than those used throughout the rest of.... well, England, let's face it. It was a tough slog, but finally, after a few stops here and there:
the full glory of Urquart Castle shone upon them (in the moment, in the twinkling of an eye).

But first, some history, as seen in the introductory video on Urquart Castle:

17th century, James II abdicates in the Glorious Revolution whence Bill III comes over from Holland to kick back. Some mavericks (Jacobites - fond of James and Latin loves James = Jacobus) couldn't let go of the dream of King James II. So they blew up most of the UK. Sure.

Royalists inside the castle saw the Jacobites approach, but were 'safe and sound, because they were well defended and the Jacobites had not heavy artillery'. There in my mind there is a clip missing in the film, because the next thing we see is the Royalists packing it in and saying 'Oh well, we are licked. Let's beat the Jacobites at their own game - flee the castle then blow it up, now who's laughing?!'
I don't see the need.... Will thinks they were over it. OVER WHAT? says I. Over the Jacobites throwing rocks and passing water in their water, no doubt.

Will had a camera with many different settings - there was unfrounately no 'renegade scotsman' setting.

After Urquart our adventures stayed the night with Wendy... and then the journey became real...