Route Miles: 87.5
Total Miles: 774.9
Miles to go: 200 (est.)
Boy, last night was hot. All ten bunks were full and the window could only open so far, leaving a meagre three inches of fresh air to be circulated. I benefited the most being closest, but the room was putrid the next morning.
Due to the number of foreign students, breakfast for 'normal hostellers' was off so I bought some croissants and a banana in a nearby shop.
The A82 alongside Loch Lomond was extremely busy with cars, lorries and tourist coaches speeding through. For a single carriageway and in places quire narrow at that, the drivers were considerate to my space. Again, sensational scenery and the sun was in full splendour.
At the top of the loch, I started my first gradual climb of the day to Crianlarich, 33 miles in. Stocking up on provisions I encountered more ascents into the Grampian Mountains and stopped for a breather at the Bridge of Orchy. Coming into Rannoch Moor, the landscape could have been lunar. Random boulders and water filled craters lay all around. Whilst the sun was warm, the strong wind was chilly and I made my way down to Glencoe via the Glen Coe pass and although descending, the wind resistance was too strong to let me freewheel which was disappointing after investing lots of energy going up.
Made the YHA here in Glen Nevis, 3 miles south of Fort William at 17.15 and planned my route for tommorrow which will be in the region of 110 miles to get to Dornoch. Guess which nationality are here in their droves again and no, it's not the same bunch!
Sounds like an amazing experience Mike! We are so proud of you, you are doing so well. Its going to be a long ride tommorrow so good luck, we will be thinking of you. Only a few days left now. We look forward to reading your blog again tommorrow. Take care, love Julia & Paul x x x