DAY 10 Fort Augustus 85 miles
Breakfast was at 8am today and very nice it was too. The midges were indeed waiting for us as soon as we went outside though and so we bid a hasty farewell and set off for the Highlands. We could see blue sky in the distance and were optimistic that another very pleasant day lay ahead.
The climbing started early today as we made our way towards Glencoe. It seemed like a fairly gradual incline but before long we looked back at the road behind us and were amazed to see how far we’d already climbed!
After the climb we were rewarded with a very long descent which was absolutely awesome. The views were stunning and with the sun shining it just couldn’t get any better. We took a slight detour of the main road to stop off at the Clachaig Inn. There was live music outside which turned out to be part of a documentary about LEJOG!!
Most of us weren’t quite ready for lunch at this point but were hoping for coffee and cake. As food stops go it wasn’t one of the best but afterwards we continued along the lane and what a treat that was. It was so idyllic - foxgloves and wild flowers scattered everywhere and every shade of green imaginable.
It was absolutely worth the detour and I would have happily gone back and cycled the entire stretch again given half the chance.
From Glencoe we cycled on to Fort William making another pitstop for those who didn’t catch lunch at Glencoe. We settled on a local bakery and all sat in the market Square to eat our pasties/cakes.
Today was one of the longest rides so far at 85 miles meaning that on leaving Fort William we still had over 35 miles to go and Max was already v tired. We’ve taken to draughting more and more and it’s helping (though it’s still tough going). Luckily the views continued to impress and delight which helped to take our minds off the slog. We arrived at our destination for the evening - Fort Augustus - just before 6pm. It’s another B&B - a beautiful old style building. We’re in the turret room complete with a four poster bed!
We’ve got the evening routine down to a fine art now and managed to get back out for an early alfresco dinner canalside followed by a short walk up to the shores of Loch Ness before the sun disappeared. I don’t think days come much more perfect than today.
Keep going guys! Photos are brilliant - amazing landscape. Hope legs are hanging in there - nearly there!! Steve and Tracey xx
ReplyDeleteI walked through Fort A on the Great Glen Way a few years back. It threw it down that day, it looks like you had fabulous weather and you are both really settling in to the ride. Enjoy every minute before its all over !
ReplyDelete