Photos - the other photos that aren't on the Blog

This link should take you to Photobox. I haven't had time to title the photos yet.

http://photos.orange.co.uk/album/396171222

Click on Slideshow and it should all work.

Day 24 - Thurso to John o'Groats - last day of this trip, what's next?

We enjoyed a meal in the Red Pepper in Thurso. Woke up on Monday to blue skies and a warmer day. When we arrived at the B&B we were the only people there. When we came back from the meal we found another 5 bikes with the tandem. 3 of the other cyclists disappeared before we had breakfast as they had been to John o'Groats on the Sunday and were catching a train home. The other couple asked us about the tandem and our trip. When we asked them about their trip it transpired that they were on the North Sea Cycle Route ( http://www.northsea-cycle.com/ ) and had 2 more months to do and about 2750 mile to go. We set off and decided to visit Dunnet Head, the most northerly point on the mainland, an extra few miles but worth it for the views. Then back on the main road and towards JOG. Landscape changed to lower, flatter and more farmed land. We arrived at JOG about 1.30, posted a few cards, got the stamp to say we had finished and had some food. There were a number of end-to-enders there and a few more arrived as we sorted ourselves out. Ben texted to say he was south of Wick so we decided to set off towards Wick and meet Ben. We met up about an hour later, loaded the tandem and set off home. The trip in the car was great, some areas we had not been through and a number we had. The day stayed clear and the views were great. Arrived home 12.30.

 A great trip, We will post a few more pictures and comments in the next few days. Ann (stoker ) has threatened to post a few comments!!

Day 23 - Tongue to Thurso - blue skies, blue sea, golden beaches ..

After a good meal and night in the Tongue Hotel we woke to clear blue skies. We set off on what we knew was going to be a hard morning in terms of climbing, but the views in every direction were just amazing. We passed rivers,Lochs, beaches and mountains. Solitary houses and small hamlets. Houses with the most amazing outlooks and it stayed clear, though the wind did remind us that it didn't follow the rules. We finally got to Thurso about 4.30 after a very good day, not as hard as we thought and only 20 or so miles to do tomorrow. An excellent B&B with views to the Orkneys and the Old Man. Looking forward to tomorrow.

Day 22 - Lairg to Tongue - The north coast of Scotland

Lairg was a very small village, but had all we needed and we managed to get on the road reasonably early. We were very soon on the A road, single track with passing places. A long gentle climb up to Crask Inn. Then it rained all the way down to Altnaharra. We saw the hotel and decided to go in. There were 2laden Thorn bikes outside.(The tandem is a Thorn) They were just starting going south. Shortly after 3 other cyclists arrived, they were like us nearly finished. As we left another 6 arrived. The rain continued most of the way to Tongue. The landscape had opened out, some high forbidding looking hills, trees had gone. Evidence of peat cutting was visible along the route. Could not find anywhere for lunch, the sun failed us today so we resorted to the bivvy tent. We finally saw the sea loch Kyle of Tongue and rolled down to the hotel. Great room, hot bath and complemenary sherry, followed by a very enjoyable meal.

Day 21 - Tain to Lairg - a shorter day to allow a more leisurely pace

A later start due to our chatty hosts. The rain started as we left. Today was planned as a shorter easier day and so it proved to be. We avoided the bridge with steps at Invershin, though we did stop and walk over the bridge. A footbridge bolted onto the side of the rail bridge. On to the Shin Falls. The centre is owned by the guy who owns Harrods. A sit down lunch and the onto Ferrycroft visitors centre. Then an early finish in Lairg. Have now booked Sundays accommodation, our last night before we meet up with Ben for our return.

Day 20 - Inverness to Tain - no ferry, so through Dingwall

A wet morning in Inverness. Over the Kessock Bridge, some stunning views, even in the rain. Found some new cycle routes which ironed out some of the meanderings of the original route. It stayed wet, one shower after another most of the day, except a sunny spell for our lunch break. The single cyclist who was camping that we met a couple of days ago stopped and chatted. He was on his last 2 days of his tour and would be heading home the following day. Got to Tain and found a B&B. It was run by an elderly couple, yes older than us, from Yorkshire. They were unbelievably chatty but very pleasant. A good meal at The Royal Hotel.

Day19 - Kincraig to Inverness - another pass another day

We left Kincraig and sped along a B road to Aviemore. A lot of development here since my last visit. 30 years ago by my reckoning. Much more snow visible on Cairngorm. A strong v.cold wind, did I mention a HEADWIND. The climb up to Slochd Pass was gradual and we made good time. After that the route was mainly downhill, but it did get colder, we had layers and layers on, winter gloves and fleece headbands. Stopped at Clava Cairns, a 5000 year old burial site. Then off to Inverness. As we got close we had hail, just to bolster our spirits. Found a B&B close to the town centre which should mean a choice of restaurants for tonight. We have discovered the Cromarty ferry is not running as it is not fully built yet. A pity as it is the smallest UK ferry carrying just 4 cars. Alternate route is no further and looks flatter, much to Ann's relief.