The day in numbers
- 70 miles
- 5hr 19min in saddle
- 12.1 mph average speed
- 28.9 mph maximum speed
- 2,926 feet of climbing
- 4,376 calories burned
If I thought yesterday’s trip by Loch Lomond was pretty, today’s leg was beyond spectacular.
My route started with a long, slow climb out of Ardlui towards Inverlochy. The weather was bright and sunny, with no haze to spoil the views. Unfortunately, I underestimated how cold it was in the mountains, particularly on the downhill bits. So my first stop was somewhat sooner than usual, with a quick change of clothing to keep the chill at bay.
From there it was up, up and up towards the bleak windswept wilderness that is Rannoch Moor. I can imagine that riding across the Moor on a bad day would be hellish, but today there were photo opportunities at every turn. With Bridget and Eleanor joining Joan for the day, this meant I had a regular fan club cheering me on and recording my progress.
From Rannoch Moor the road led to Glencoe. This is one of THE sights in the Highlands, with yet more photo opportunities at every turn. While the climb to get to the top of the pass was a bit of a slog, it was worth it for the thrill of the descent on the other side.
A quick stop for tea and sandwiches at the bottom of the pass, and farewells to Bridget and Eleanor, then it was off around Loch Linnhe to Fort William and the shadow of Ben Nevis. It was at this point that the weather reminded me how fickle it can be in this part of the world, as it started to rain – a heavy, cold burst. Fortunately I only had a few miles left to go, so could live with the minor discomfort. I hope this isn’t a taste of what’s in store for tomorrow.
Joan’s bit
It was an early start for me catching up with the laundry, at what has to be the most spectacularly located launderette, right on Loch Lomond. After saying goodbye to Laura who sadly had to return to Glasgow to work, Eleanor and I explored an island off Loch Lomond (well Eleanor did, I just took pictures). Then, Bridget, Eleanor and I then set off to follow Stephen, stopping along the way to take pictures of Rannoch Moor, Glencoe and everything else in between. Eleanor has now mastered the art of ‘Zoom Bursting’ and created some interesting pictures of Stephen !!
We had a lovely day, wonderful sunshine, great views and a few snacks along the way. As it was getting late, Bridget and Eleanor left us for the long journey back to Aberdeen and I carried on snapping pictures of the lochs and Ben Nevis, on the way to our hotel.
We are staying at the Old Pines hotel in Spean Bridge, it is a very special place, very peaceful, great room, delicious food, huge comfortable bed and nice people – just what we needed. If you’re ever up this way I’d highly recommend it – http://www.oldpines.co.uk/
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- Look who I found
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- Trossachs
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- Glencoe
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- On the island
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- Trossachs
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- Pretty clouds
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- Making friends
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- Rannoch Moor
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- Look no hands
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- On the moor
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- In the distance
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- Bleak
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- A zoom burst
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- Smiler
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- Windy roads
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- So cute
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- Fort William
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- Pretty bay
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- Snowy mountain
