Day 3 John o Groats to Lybster

After a comfortable night at Gail's B&B and a delicious breakfast we were reluctant to venture into the rain and wind, but, this is Scotland so what else should we expect. We cycled down to the official sign only to find an empty post, the owner had taken it home and you have to pay him to bring it out for photos! We made do with a picture in front of the gift shop.

The Off!

We set off in the driving rain and for the first few miles the wind was across us, hard but not too bad, but then it changed!  And how! Chris did say the worst thing is wind, he was not wrong, we had 30+ miles an hour gusts right in our faces, it was horrendous, I kept being blown into the verge. I can't  describe how pleased we were to see the sign for Lybster. 31 challenging miles, whose stupid idea was this? It will all be forgotten soon as Sue  is making a roast Lamb dinner. Well deserved I think.

Day 2 Inverness to John o Groats

Sorry to see the smart BMW go back to Thrifty Car Hire but made an easy transfer to the train Thurso bound. Several other cyclists looking professional waiting for the same train, I expect to see them flying past us on the road to JoG.

Waiting for the train to Thurso

Stunning scenery passing through the Highlands with clear rivers bubbling through fields of heather. Thurso soon came up and after a quick change in the loos we emerged Lycra clad ready to jump on the bikes for the 22 mile ride to JoG. Not too challenging apart from at Dunnet Head where the wind was in our faces. Who would live here?  It's bleak and remote, must be so hard in winter.

Lycra Clad

Gail our B&B lady couldn't do enough for us, we have a huge room very clean, she made us a cuppa and then arranged for the landlord of the pub about a mile away to come and pick us up and drive us there for a meal! can't argue with that. Tomorrow is the first real day of riding with only two wheels and no other transport. Bring it on as they say....

Proof he was there !

Bleak.....

Day 1 Devon to Inverness by Car

Day One
On four wheels we leave sunny Devon in a very posh hire car, BMW330D,estate with bikes neatly packed in the back pristine after their service at Bikeshed.

We had the obligatory delays on the the M6 delaying us by two hours but as soon as we hit the borders the roads were clear, but hey, what are all those hills ?

A very friendly Wilma was waiting for us at Carbisdale B&B in Inverness, good clean room with everything we need. Easy so far!


                                   Bye Bye Devon