Day 21, to Glencoe

Last night heavy rain was forecast, so I decided to start my ride at 7AM. Today is another day that I am riding alone. From time to time I met up with Paul, who was waiting in a lay-by with his car – and a vital warming flask of coffee (thank you, thank you Paul!). That really cheered me on as I climbed up to the Glencoe pass in driving rain and heavy traffic.

It is one of the most popular tourist spots, and I had hoped to hear the piper there – but, because of the rain, he did not come (maybe his bagpipes were waterlogged?).

I’m really in The Highlands now, but I could only imagine the landscape behind the heavy mist (although intermittently the mist blew away like smoke and I had a glimpse of what was there). No wonder so many holiday tour coaches were on that road.

Descending from the pass I suddenly saw a sign to the SYHA and, a few miles down a winding lane, there it was. Cozy and warm, the best I’ve ever been in. There’s more rain forecast for tomorrow – so it will be very hard to leave the hostel.

That was my day – pedalling up hills on busy roads and getting drenched.

I’ve got a few photos of the mist – but none of me (because there was no-one else around to take those pictures). I’ll try to upload them tomorrow, but today there’s virtually no signal so I can’t upload anything.

Stats

32.8 miles (706.51 miles total), 1,600ft ascent, 1950ft descent