Day 2 - through the mountains to Tain

Day2


Today was a much better day than yesterday, and our mood has lifted from yesterday.  We woke up by the sea, amazing view and blazing sunshine. This was our last proper view of the North coast, as we imediately turned South and headed into the mountains. 


The first half of today was hard going. Lots of climbing as we hit the A836 which wound its way through the mountains. We didnt go into the mountains but there were still some steady climbs between the peaks, The views were dramatic .The landscape is wild, and empty, there was literally nothing on the road between Bettyhill and the next town Tongue. Take a look at these mountains - just amazing and worth the climb. 


Pictures to come


We stopped for cake (excellent millionaires shortbread!) at the Tongue gift shop and cafe. They also kindly topped up our water for us. Shortly out of Tongue we hit a fantastic streatch of road, following the shore of Loch Loyal. More craggy mountains, more amazing views. They some hard climbs to go - still no signs of humanity apart from the road and the traffic. 


Pictures to come


We stopped for lunch at the Cask Inn when we met up with my parents. The weather started to turn, spots of rain but (this seems daft to say) a welcome respite from the heat. The pub is community owned, and is dual use with a church in the back. As odd a combination as that is the staff were very welcoming, they are slowy building up the capacity of the pub and are keen to serve cyclists, to the point where they keep the kitchen open all day. 


picture to come


From the Cask Inn, a little climb and then a long downhill through a vast forestry area to Lairg, and then we made good time to Tain. the last 35 miles were much faster than the first 35. Flatter and less hills than the morning. This also means we stopped to take less photos, although there was a cracking castle. We didnt stop, but passed by the Falls of Shin where you can see Salmon leaping up the river to breed. 


picture to come 


And so we arrived at our campsite really early, and just as well, because the rain has also arrived now. Fingers crossed it'll be gone by tomorrow morning.