The original target for day 2 was Spean Bridge, but as we were 40 miles or so ahead of target after yesterdays mammoth ride, we were always likely to go a bit further.
\nAfter breakfast with Alex (Martins son) we said our goodbyes a bit later than normal and headed off back on to the planned route and down to Muir of Ord. Martin had recommended the bakery there, and we duly replenished supplies, including freshly baked oatcakes for a taste of Scotland.
\nNext significant point of call was Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness, which followed shortly after an exhilarating 35mph descent into Milton, as normal incorporating s-bends and rain.
\nStayed at Urqhart just long enough to take the obligatory photos and by now cold & wet, pressed on.
\nA few miles later on we had a sudden break in the rain just before reaching a picnic area, so stopped to brew up a coffee. Typically, it commenced raining again as soon as the stove was lit!.
\nPressing on, we experienced a torrential downpour around Fort Augustus, but after Spean Bridge the weather started to brighten. We reached Fort William and took the opportunity to get some food and attempt to dry out a bit. After assorted fish, sausages, haggis and chips, and a bit of a rest, we continued along what was now day 3’s route. One brief diversion later (in North Ballachulish looking for a tourist information point), we decided to call it a day in Glencoe.
\nFollowed the signs for a couple of miles out of the village before arriving at the Red Squirrel campsite, to be greeted by the dreaded Scottish midge, by which I mean several million of the blasted things.
\nGood news however was that the Claghaig Inn was a 10 minute walk away, and turned out to be excellent for ale, food and entertainment. We didn’t expect to be listening to an Aussie folk group that evening……<\/p>\n
Distance coverered 89 miles
\nTop speed 35mph<\/p>\n
A Conon Bridge (Martin’s)
\nB Muir of Ord (visit to the bakery)
\nC Castle Urquhart (photo stop)
\nD Loch Ness picnic area (coffee stop)
\nE Fort William (food and rest break)
\nF Glencoe ( Red Squirrel campsite)<\/p>\n