slide show with daily routes and time

Slides showing route

Photos of the trip

Well its taken a while and yes we didnt take many photos (too busy cycling) and the weather looks suprisingly good rain doesnt encourage you to stop and take photo's video diary to follow.


Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

day 10 Helmsdale Lejog Dunnett head and beyond 20th July

Ten days well if you count starting at Lands End at 11.30 due to the now famous rural Newlyn alternatve route (Philip special) nine days . We started the day with a monster climb out of Helmsdale in glorious sunshine Then to Helms Deep (our name) Bennadale Braes this photo does not do the flying descent and vicious ascent with hairpins justice http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/6843662.jpg suffice it to say very steep and very very hardwork and then after breakfasting at thebrilliant Spa at I think Dunbeath . We then a mile or so further on did tea and scones http://www.scotland-index.co.uk/laidhay/croft_museum.htm it may not open till ten but the lady that opened at 8.00 for u summed up whats Great about scotland . we spent an hour supported by Mick (Mac) Mullane trying to sort the nightmare of getting back home sorted and then set off on our bikes .

We the made a good decision leaving the made road we headed up through Roster Upper Camster uptp Watten . Through flat floe and forest country on single track roads at pace around 20mph . A bit of navigation then up through Slickly, Brabster rejoining the coast road at Canisbay Then up to John O'Groats rewarded by stunning views of Orkney . We made it about 13.30 920 odd miles at 11.00mph . Then back on the bikes to Dunnet Head the true northern most point of mainland Scotland .

day 9 Glen Urquhart to Helmsdale 19th July

Took the long way round via cannich the gateway to Geln Afric 5 miles longer but avoiding a monster climb first thing. Away after 7.00 feeling tired but good bouyed up by great scenery and gentle climbs .we eventually go to Beaully then blast up Muir of Ord, Dingwall bite to eat . then a quick ride along the coast onto the A9 v through Tain then across the Forth of Dornoch (great bridgeand great view.
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/1358282


Followed by ride up to the mound Then up the road to Golspie and what a suprise rain . The hills then returned and along run of flat hills flat hills to Helmsdale bouyed up by signs counting down to John O'Groats . Some big hills not inclines later we arrived in Helmsdale Hostel http://www.helmsdalehostel.co.uk/ great place old school house simple private room with log fire and great drying room. Plus a classic evening meal at Bannoch Burn hotel. We might just make !!!

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day 8 Clianlarich to glen Urquhart

104 miles I think a day of really heavy rain at times over the higlands into geln orchy, glencoe up to fort william and nearly through to inverness 12 hours plus on the road saved by ready meals and great bed at www.bcclochnesshostel.co.uk . A hard day again great scenery mind you !!

day 7 Monaive to CrianLarich

111 miles into a headwind got there to late to eat epic day finishing along loch lomond . got there to late to eat .