Unknown to us at the time, Day 3 was going to turn out to be the most eventful day of the entire trip. It started really well with some glorious sun breaking through the early morning mist. The midges were out in force, but only served to hurry us up on our way. Headed off along the minor road, past the pub, to rejoin the main road heading through the Vale of Glen Coe. Plenty of climbing, but some fabulous views (see some photos on our Flickr page). Slowly up to Rannoch Moor, again looking glorious in the sunshine, more photo breaks… more pauses to take photos of the snow (yes, in July), ski lifts, hydro electic power stations etc., then some rapid descents as we headed to Crianlarich. Passed several groups of cyclists doing the reverse route, had quite a long chat with one group in particular, who eulogized about how good the A30 was in Cornwall. Gave us food for thought as we had deliberately avoided it when planning the route, following advice on other websites. Again following cyclists recommendations, we sought out the Station Tea Room for brunch in Crianlarich. It was brilliant, could have been the 50’s still, but due to stairs up to it, we settled for takeaways of bacon butties, tea and cakes.
Onwards to Tarbet (original planned end of Day 3) and we were soon riding alongside Loch Lomond. Further coffee break and photo opportunity when Ian fortuitously collected another puncture adjacent to a cafe!
Diverted away from Loch Lomond to Arrochar and more scenic riding alongside Loch Long and Gare Loch. It then decided to rain, and rain, and rain. It appeared to follow us all the way, always sunshine ahead, never quite making it…. Despite that it was a lovely road to cycle along, lots of undulating bits, but only one serious hill. Another photo stop for Ian to admire RFA Fort Austin, moored up close by.
One more hill as we neared the Clyde and crossed the peninsula, and a little bit of optimism that we were about to return to sunshine. No such luck, the rain caught back up and we arrived at the ferry, drenched and very cold. More struggling to get our heavily loaded bikes up the narrrow gangplank. With panniers too wide to fit and it still pouring, we had little option other than to pair up lift them on.
Shelter at last for the 15 min trip across the Clyde.

69.2 miles