Day 11 Loch Lomond to Glencoe 67 miles

After an amazing night in the Loch Lomond Youth Hostel Castle’s enormous bedroom we got organised to leave.  Unfortunately though, Helen had her phone stolen while it was charging in the TV room, this made us all really angry and upset for Helen, things like this shouldn’t happen.  However Helen was being really positive about the whole thing.

Loch Lomond in the early morning sun

 

We set off for the day from Duck Bay along the West Lomond Cycle Path which kept us off the main road until Tarbet.  The route was lovely with incredible views across the loch.  The sun was shining but it was really, really windy.  We had lots of photo stops along the way.  We then got on the road to Crianlarich which was into the strongest headwind I have ever ridden in.  What a long slog that was.  Eventually after turning towards Tyndrum it was a side and tailwind.

We arrived in Tyndrum and Mum and Douglas were there waiting at the lunch stop, it was great to see them.  We had lunch together and then they headed home and we continued on towards Glencoe. The route is a really busy one, but a road with amazing views.  It was so windy however that it was a bit scary at times as I was being blown towards the side of the road by cross winds.  As we summited the hills and entered the highlands Rannoch Moor opened up in front of us, it always amazes me how beautiful this place is…and then over the top to the stunning mountains that waymark Glencoe. Buachaille Etive Mor was encased in low cloud and looked as haunting as it always does, and the Aonach Eagach Ridge stood out against the greying skies.  Not a day to be ridge walking today, that’s for sure.

Glencoe looming

As we descended through the valley the wind eased ever so slightly, but it was still strong enough to give us a fright when it caught us with a cross-gust.   We arrived at the turn off and stopped at the Clachaig Inn for a bravery half pint (well, a pint to be honest) before making our way to the Youth Hostel.

Roadkill – nearly a few cyclists, but not a lot apart from that!

Mechanicals – I have a squeak and a rattle but Graham sorted it out at lunchtime.

Weather – muggy, sunny, cloudy and force 25 gales!!

Chicken – lost many of his remaining feathers in the wind and had to dismantle his charity box from his frame as it kept catching the wind!