The Three Bridges we stayed in last night is all an inexpensive B&B should be, clean, simple and comfortable. Everything you need with no frilly bits but excellent value for money! Laura and Shirley have got it sussed in addition to the excellent service and beautiful surroundings they also thoughtfully provided a large selection of books aimed perfectly at their outdoors customer interests.
The day started a bit changeable, I had my waterproof on and off numerous times, but by mid morning had settled into a bright day though quite cool. For the first time we hadn't booked a B&B in advance and as we've been going along we noticed all the B&B's had no vacancy signs up, so off to the Tourist Office where we were soon booked into a place in Fort William. While waiting for the booking to be processed I was struck again by the number of foreign tourists here in Scotland, they are everywhere. We have come across lots of Germans, Dutch and imagine, even French! They were in a gorgeous sailing boat in the canal.As I went to use the facilities a coach load of Belgians rushed in. Apparently it's quite amazing we have hot water in the public loos, they only have cold. There you are, that's what you learn travelling.
From the start this was the most perfect route, we started along Caledonian canal stopping to watch the boats negotiating the run of locks, the canal side run continued for about 5 miles. From there we had a bit of the A82 to Laggan Loch crossing over to join the forest trail through the Great Glen. To say this was beautiul is a gross understatement, on one side we had the loch and the other the thick woodland with tiny streams making their way to the loch. In many places the forest floor was covered with thick soft moss and looked just the scene for a fairy story.
I met Barry while having a breather, he just stopped and chatted. On a caravan holiday from John o Groats where he lives he always brings his bike and goes cycling for the day, today, just for fun, he was cycling from Fort Augustus to Fort William and back in a day! Oh well plod on N&N.
Lunch time we stopped at a small beach on the loch, hidden from the trail we just stumbled upon it, an absolute gem, it's a wild camping site with a fire pit, three cornered wooden shelter and place for 8 small tents, no one was there and we enjoyed the peaceful setting and spectacular views all to ourselves. If it had been warmer skinny dipping would have been on the agenda, just to ease those aching bits of course! We'd ordered a packed lunch from Laurs, what's spread, we had two delicious granary rolls, packet of crisps, apple cake, carton of juice, chocolate bar, banana and a humbug! Thanks Laura. I'm a bit worried Neil will be expecting this every day for work!
Outstanding Scenery
The Beautiful Caledonian Canal
From the start this was the most perfect route, we started along Caledonian canal stopping to watch the boats negotiating the run of locks, the canal side run continued for about 5 miles. From there we had a bit of the A82 to Laggan Loch crossing over to join the forest trail through the Great Glen. To say this was beautiul is a gross understatement, on one side we had the loch and the other the thick woodland with tiny streams making their way to the loch. In many places the forest floor was covered with thick soft moss and looked just the scene for a fairy story.
Bridge of Oich
I met Barry while having a breather, he just stopped and chatted. On a caravan holiday from John o Groats where he lives he always brings his bike and goes cycling for the day, today, just for fun, he was cycling from Fort Augustus to Fort William and back in a day! Oh well plod on N&N.
Lock Keepers Cottage
Not Just Riding
Lunch time we stopped at a small beach on the loch, hidden from the trail we just stumbled upon it, an absolute gem, it's a wild camping site with a fire pit, three cornered wooden shelter and place for 8 small tents, no one was there and we enjoyed the peaceful setting and spectacular views all to ourselves. If it had been warmer skinny dipping would have been on the agenda, just to ease those aching bits of course! We'd ordered a packed lunch from Laurs, what's spread, we had two delicious granary rolls, packet of crisps, apple cake, carton of juice, chocolate bar, banana and a humbug! Thanks Laura. I'm a bit worried Neil will be expecting this every day for work!
Glas-choirs Trailblazer Rest Our Lunch Spot
Replete After Laura's Lunch
Talking about painful parts we have been suffering with saddle soreness, we stopped at the bike shop to get more gloves for Neil, he left his in Fort Augustus, I was looking longingly at the soft looking gel seats on display. The attractive young man asked if could help, well I had to tell him my personal problem, Neil looked away uncomfortably! But I got what I needed.... My saddle adjusted and a large tube of Camoix Butt'r, yes butt cream, better he assures me than Sudocrem. Guess what, Neil is not too shy to use it!
After a most fabulous days riding, stunning scenery and meeting lovely folk the tourist office let us down by sending us to the grottiest of B&B's. Can't have it all.
After a most fabulous days riding, stunning scenery and meeting lovely folk the tourist office let us down by sending us to the grottiest of B&B's. Can't have it all.
Sorry to hear about the b&b but your day sounds fantastic. We lifted our pints in your honour on the balcony today. Keep it up pedalling Pattersons.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jim and the balconeers, last night's fab hotel made up for the grotty B&B. Neil has been sampling a variety of real ales from small breweries and enjoying them, whose knows he may come back and join CAMRA!
DeleteSounds like a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteI never thought I'd be saying this but Neil looks great in lycra! He looks like he just stripped his yellow jersey off in France :-)
ReplyDelete