Today's ride took us from Inverness at sea level, through Dingwall, Evanton, Cadha Moor, Bonar Bridge, Lairg into Altnaharra, 800 ft above sea level. It was a little cooler reaching 64 degrees and overcast throughout the day. As you will notice in the photos, there was a big contrast between the green farmland of the lower valleys near Inverness, and the desolate moorland surrounding Altnaharra. After crossing the Kessock bridge, I climbed up to Dingwall and stopped for tea and a scone. Then further climbing of the Struhie gave spectacular views of the Cromarty Firth. The ride downhill to Bonar Bridge from the high point at Cadha Moor was also exhilarating. After a picnic lunch with the group at Bonar Bridge, we began the slow, long climb through Lairg past the high point at the Crask Inn before descending into Altnaharra. Enjoyed an evening with the group for dinner at the Crask Inn with a Grilled Avocado and Stilton starter and Salmon with family style vegetables and potatoes and then Whiskey Raisin Cake with ice-cream Yummy! We are over 50 miles from any town in the middle of the moors. Tomorrow marks the completion of the End to End (LEJOG). It will be a long ride, but not too strenuous or hilly. We have learned there is a pelaton of 700 cyclists beginning a ride from John O'Groats tomorrow. We should run into them about midday. Should be interesting.
Kessock Bridge leading out of Inverness
Overlooking the Cromerty Firth. Notice the reflection of the clouds in the water!
Looking out toward the North Sea in the distance
Before my descent into Bonar Bridge. Notice how svelte my body has become!
Looking Northwest near Lairg
On the moors before the Crask Inn
The Altnaharra Hotel where I'm staying tonight
Deer in the back yard of the Altnaharra Hotel
Nick Mitchell outside the Crask Inn where we had dinner this evening
Dinner with the group including Dave White from Wellington, New Zealand who has spent 44 days touring the UK on a bike. Sorry to Matt and Dave for chopping off their faces. The gang call me Mississippi Pete. Have not sampled a Scottish Single Malt to date, tomorrow night may be a different story!!!
