Day 24, to Invershin

I made a mistake yesterday in my blog. I thought that today would be an easy day – and it was perhaps my hardest yet. I think I must have been a day out – because tomorrow really is going to be an easy day!

Leaving Inverness I cycled along the A9 to cross the huge suspension bridge over to the ominously named Black Isle. Thank Goodness it was Sunday, although the traffic was still terrifyingly heavy and the cycle lane was closed for maintenance. To make matters worse there were strong side winds. So yes, I really had everything in my favour!

On the other side of the bridge there was a cycle lane for a while – but then it turned off in a different direction, away from my route. Eventually I arrived at the second bridge back to the mainland. I don’t know how to describe how impressive it was seeing this second bridge over the straits separating the mainland from the peninsula. It was supported on posts, and made a magnificent view from the top of the hill. The estuary was so beautiful, but I didn’t have much time to stop and admire it.

The gusts of side wind were so strong that they threatened to blow me off my bike and onto the road. On the other side, I saw three cyclists each with heavily laden panniers and tents and I thought to myself “Those are proper cyclists, not like me now. I used to be like that though.”

I continued on the A9 for a while, and then off onto smaller road toward Alness where the only pub open served chips and baked beans, which were just what I needed. Now the B9176 climbed into the hills, and it was a long hard slog with a head on wind. Then a wonderful descent (which seemed much longer down than the climb up) to Bonar Bridge.

So then to the Invershin Hotel, a very Scottish place with tartan blankets and highland photos. All very satisfying because I love the atmosphere!

The midges of Glencoe were horrible, but I haven’t seen any for a few days – perhaps they don’t like the wind?

Stats

46.2 miles (837.21 miles total), 2,325ft ascent, 2,300ft descent