18. Jun 2025

Altsigh - Leitirfearn

Photo 1: "The Great Glen Way - Day 3"
This would be the second most difficult hike this week, 32 km and 1100 altimeters, but it was a good one. I had a good breakfast at the hostel. The evening before I got to know two volunteer staff members a bit, Sebastian from Columbia and Katja from Russia, very nice and helpful young people. After breakfast I had one final talk with them and prayed a blessing for their journey through life. It was a special moment.

Photo 2: "The High Path"
It rained off and on throughout the day, but mostly a spray rain. The weather has been very similar to that which I had at the start of my walk last year in Estonia. I actually prefer walking in weather like this than the extreme heat I had on Snail-Trail 2.0 through the Balkans.
At one point today I needed to make a decision. Originally I planned to take the low route which would have been much easier. But at the juncture I decided to take the high route. I was feeling good and it was not raining at this time. I was glad I did. It was the most beautiful part of the whole Great Glen Way.

Photo 3: "Evi"
I was wondering how it would be walking the Great Glen Way in the opposite direction that most people go. Indeed I had many people coming towards me. Each day I have had numerous short talks with people, often I could share a part of my story, and occassionly there would be a special encounter. The encounter with Evi was one of those special ones. She is a delightful young woman, 24 years old, who is seeking God's will for her life. She is exactly the age I was when I first came to Germany to find my way through life and ministry there. Evi has a heart for Muslims, has already learned some Arabic and has had some cross cultural experience in an Islamic country. I was able to encourage her and perhaps give some helpful insights for her journey ahead. We prayed for each other... on the high path. Almost missed it. Another special God moment. Pray for Evi and that the Good Shepherd would confirm the steps that she is to take.

Photo 4: "The Moorings"
In Fort Augustus I wanted to eat a good lunch and buy provisions for the next two days. I would not see another grocery store until the end of The Great Glen Way at Fort Williams on Saturday. I asked the clerk at the grocery store where I might find a good place to eat. He suggested "The Moorings". I went. The owner is a Turk from Bulgarian descent. We started talking. When I said in Turkish that my name is Steven, his eyes light up. His name is also Steven. When I said that I was a pastor, his eyes light up even more. He is a Christian. There is a large group of Bulgarian Turks who have placed their trust in Jesus. Steven and I are brothers in Christ. I prayed for him, his family and their restaurant business. If you like, please pray for him as well. If you ever go to Fort Augustus in Scotland, be sure to visit "The Moorings". The food is great!

Photo 5: The locks at Fort Augustus