A PORTION OF GRUEL

DAY 11

Distance 90.8 miles
Cycling time
6 hours 41 minutes
Average speed
13.4 miles
Total miles
870



Woke up and read Don’s description of the coming day and a word leapt out “gruelling” -nearly went back to bed.

First stop we visited Brunel’s Neptune’s Staircase – a series of locks linking the Caledonian Canal with Loch Linnhe. We enjoyed the pleasant cycling of the first part of the Great Glen Way along the Canal.

We visited the statue for the Commandos Regiment at Gairlochy. It coincided with a visit from a bus load of German tourist but we managed not to mention the war.

From there we had a comfortable ride to Fort Augustus, a very attractive place. Then on to a long ride alongside Loch Ness to Drumnadrochit. At this point the gruelling word kicked in and we turned straight uphill. A very difficult climb but after this the day took an easier turn and we raced to our intended destination Dingwall with a following breeze and warm temperature.

We decided to carry on for a further 15 miles to Invergordon. We passed our first signpost for John of Groats – only 104 miles to go. Hopefully an easier day tomorrow.