In May this year we returned to Scotland on our bikes with our panniers packed to explore some of the islands and west coast. We had promised ourselves that would do this after being blown off course by an incoming storm from across the Atlantic, which forced us to head East up the great Glen towards Inverness rather than head up the West Coast, which we had originally planned.
To view photos and more info on this trip please head over to our latest blog:
Lakelandmountainhikes.blogspot.co.uk
On the first day we treated ourselves to a cheeky little boat and coach tour to Iona and the island of Staffa and then returning back to Oban. Felt as if we were cheating but the boat times, accomodation and logistics just didn't work to cycle, so took the easy option. But we were very lucky with the weather and we had a fantastic first day, so was well worth it.
So on our first day of proper cycling we headed out from Oban to the island of Mull, cycled around the north west coast and arrived in Tobermory for the night. The following day crossed to Kilchoan and cycled up the mainland to Mallaig for our second night. The next morning we sailed over to Skye and cycled up to the fantastic Skyewalker hostel in Portnalong. Next day was a shorter day heading up to Uig then the ferry crossing to Tarbert on the outer Hebridean Island of Harris. We stayed at a lovely hostel just south in Drinishader.
The following two days were a real struggle against winds gusting to around 30 and 40 mph as we headed south to Benbecula and then Lochboisdale for our return ferry to Oban. Great views and scenery but really could have done without the wind.
Final Training Ride
Tuesday 20 May 2014
Thursday 19 September 2013
Day 18 - Tongue to John O'Groats
We made it!
The last day started dull, grey and cold, but with very little wind as we headed out of Tongue. It was pretty un-spectacular scenery to be honest and some quite steep rolling hills as we rode through Bettyhill and then later arrived in Thurso with about 20 miles left to go. A further tea stop and then the sun came out, so we had intermittent sunshine for the last few miles and a sunny finish at John O'Groats.
We have now made it back to our B&B, are all showered and clean and ready for our "celebratory" dinner at the very unglamorous seaview hotel.
Off to Orkney tomorrow for a couple of days site seeing and touring around before getting back to the mainland on Saturday evening. We then get picked up and transported back to Inverness at 1pm on Sunday. We then get a flight back to Luton and our bikes get packed up and courierred back to us in the next few days.
Day 17 - Rogart to Tongue
We have finally made it up to the North Coast and now have just one more days cycling to do. Today was a hard day as we were heading north most of the day and the wind was really strong and mostly heading south east, so at times progress was quite slow.
Forecast was for sunshine and showers, so they were at least half right in that we got lots and lots of showers with a few glimpses of sun on the way.
It was spectacular though and we had a mostly empty road, fantastic scenery which was pretty much devoid of any habitation, or buildings of any kind. Terrific views of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope on the final run in to Tongue, but we were mighty relieved to arrive at the hostel in Tongue.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)