Aviemore,
Scotland,
United Kingdom
Thursday, August 14, 2008
I had been dreading day six because I had to climb up into the highlands of Scotland. Set off from Comrie croft in light drizzle which soon cleared. Followed the hillier route over Sma Glen to Dunkeld and then joined the A9 stopping for a cooked breakfast and two pots of tea at Pitlochry. Headed up the valley to the Dramochter Pass and was spotted by Sue and the kids part way over the pass. Stopped for soup and tea before continuing to meet them later on at Dalwhinnie. The sun shone for a good part of the day and I was able to lose some of the five layers I had got into the habit of wearing. Dramochter wasn't the climb I had expected and I made good time. The last leg through Kingussie, Aviemore and Carrbridge went well until I joined the Sustrans route 7 which I had been told would lead me right to the hostel. I hadn't been told that it was off-road and it turned out to be steep and very rough track through a private estate. The views, landscape and wildness were brilliant but I was really worried that I'd damage one of my wheels as the bike was quite loaded with supplies etc. Arrived at the hostel an hour or so later than I had hoped. Distance travelled 109.12 miles, time on bike 8.25 hours. Highlight of the day....a bottle of whisky from the Dalwhinnie distillery from Sue and the children. Andrew
