Day 13 Rogart to John O Groats

Retrieved M's fleece from pub, bid farewell to Kate of the amazing railway sleepers, and set off at a brisk pace 4 miles down to the A9. We stormed along an udulating coastal road with fine views over the North sea. The sun was strong, the sky blue, and a gentle north easterly blew. Helmsdale, a delightful fishing port, welcomed us for a tea break.

We continued along the coast road, up and down, towards the infamous Berridale Braes. We shot down the 13% winding descent, over the bridge, and climbed steadily up the north side in low gear, a long but easy ascent, in contrast to the Beauly road out of Drumnadrochit @ 15%. Please note, the couple from the pub in Rogart, no walking, cycled all the way nae bother.

So Dunbeath hoved into view, so we stopped at the Spar for refuelling, and sat out in the sun on the stone wall on high overlooking the harbour. Then carried on along the A9, with less traffic, particularly after the Wick road branched off.

After Lybster, we turned NW on a minor road tha ran for 13.miles in a straight line, past crofts, and then over bleak barren peat and heather ground. Steadily climbing, we paused to view some ancient burial cairns, before pedalling on along this virtually traffic free route.

As we neared JoG, we saw the haar hanging over the coast, and the sun was closed off. When we finally arrived at JoG, as the photographer was packing up his signpost and kit, it became cold for the first time in several days. So we had our photo taken, wrote a message in the book in the café where our card was stamped, and had a coffee and scone.

Back to the YH, recovered, showered, and set off into the wind to the pub for supper and a few
pints.

Data:
Distance 81 mls
Ride Time 6hrs 25mins
Avg Sp 12.6
Total 1004 miles
Phew! Done it!
Next challenge?

Day 12 Loch Ness YH to Rogart Station

We started out at a really good pace, reaching Drumnadrochit at 15+mph. There was very little traffic which was nice. Then we turned onto the Beauly road which is signposted 15% for 0.75 miles. It was very steep and seemed much longer,we both managed it with a sense of satisfaction.

It was directly after this that David had a near death experience with a tractor round a really sharp bend which nipped back again.

We dropped down into Beauly and on to Conon Bridge and Dingwall, where we stopped for coffee.

After Dingwall, we climbed up to the moors which was a really nice gradient that can be taken, at a good pace. We had a picnic, before dropping down into Edderton.

There was an Antique fair in Edderton where we had tea and cakes.
We crossed the Dornoch bridge and went off to Dornoch as a diversion from the A9.
We arrived at Rogart Station where we stayed in first class railway carriages, complete with showers kitchen etc. The carriages were set in a delightful garden with railway memorabelia.

Data
Distance 78.6 miles
Ride time K hours 01 mins
Ave Sp 12.7 mph
Total 923 miles

Day 11 Corran Ferry to Loch Ness YH

The day started really well with a free ferry crossing to the North shore, and a delightful ride along the shore for 11 miles to reach the wee passenger ferry at Camusnagau back to Fort William on the south side. We cycled through rhodedendrons in full flower near the lodges, and past lovely bays along the coast, and all with the minimum of effort. We had ascertained that the ferry left at 1015, and we arrived with 10 minutes to spare. This ferry was a small cabin cruiser, and they were happy to accept Mark's bus pass for himself, but not for his bike.

Failed to find the cycle path out of the Fort, until we headed off the main road and found a strange bridge over the river Lochy that proved to be part of the Great Glen Way, so we followed the route to the Neptune's Staircase locks on the Caledonian canal. After watching a boat descend a lock, we set off again on the minor road on te NW side of the canal. With fine views over the canal, to Ben Nevis, this was another luxurious ride, and it didn't strain the knees too much.

Eventually the road ran out, and we were on forestry road, a bit lumpy. We sat down for an impromptu lunch of dried fruit overlooking the loch. The sun was by now blazing hot, and the hills to the south were lit up against the blue sky.

After an hour of bumping along, with mouth firmly shut to keep out some little flies, we were back on tarred road, and later we met the A82 again. It was not as busy here as yesterday at Corran, and we motored along on really easy roads to reach Fort Augustus for a late lunch in the sun and a short ride on to the YH at Alltsigh with some extra shopping for tea.

Weather hot and sunny all day.
Data:
Distance 55 miles
Ride Time 4hrs 0 mins
Avg Sp 13.2
Total 844 miles

A nice relaxing day in fantastic scenery and exceptional weather.

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