Day 9 - Arrived at Dornie

After a snoring night in the Hostel (Sail Mohr Croft) in Dundonnell, our day started with thick porridge, black coffee and rain. Passing Loch Gairloch, we climbed steep hills, all of us soaking wet. We carried on until we got to the Applecross decision point at Kinlochewe, where, for safety reasons, considering the decent and the terrible weather, we decided to avoid this route. After lunch in Kinlochewe, we started off our best climb yet (700ft over 4 miles). On the decent, the rain started to soak through the plastic bags covering our feet ! Arriving at the Lochcarron Hotel, we had a snack and continued on next to the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle, where we had B&B arranged.

Day 9 - Applecross awaits

It rains again this morning as we are about to set off to do another 8500ft climb. Applecross awaits!

Day 8 - The Team

Day 8 - Arrived in Dundonnell

The extra miles covered yesterday proved valuable as the day started with very strong head winds.Kevin had an accident 8 miles into the ride when his tyre glanced off another rear wheel in the pack. This resulted in some cuts and bruises, and his rear mech was damaged and un-repairable. Kev bravely got back on the spare bike which was adjusted for him to get back on the road with the team. We continued up steep gradients, with very hilly terrain and ever-changing scenery in the most North-West coast.We lost time with this morning’s crash and we stopped briefly in Ullapool for a very late lunch. We still had 35 miles to cover, including the steepest ascent yet.The team managed the last section in good time, pressing on with an extra 5 miles after a nice 10 mile descent!We got back to the hostel after 8, and had pasta for dinner…The new drivers, Anna and Callum, spent the afternoon adjusting to our already perfected navigation techniques. It is now time for Duncan and Hervé to head home.Time for bed – another gruesome day awaits…

Day 7 - Arrived in Durness

Today started under scorching sun. This time, the team slapped on the sun cream. We made good progress between Strathy and Durness, going via Tongue. The scenery was once again stunning, and we picked a very small café for a quick lunch. Angus, who had been hard at “work”, missed the café and carried on. The Freelander was sent ahead to find Angus! He had already covered over 5 miles, and we had lunch by the roadside after the team had caught up. After arriving in Durness, we decided to do a further 20 miles. The weather was just exceptional and we didn't want to start the next day with a 1000ft climb. As a consequence, we ended up climbing 5000ft in the day.

Day 6 - The Discovery Hard at Work

Day 6 - Arrived in Strathy

The next day started off overcast. We headed towards John O’ Groats, arrived in dense fog and couldn’t see 2 metres in front of us. After a quick coffee, we headed to Thurso breaking briefly for lunch. On passing Dounreay the weather brightened up and we cycled passed stunning scenery on to Strathy Point. We arrived at The Bungalo B&B after 6, slightly sunburnt. Just in time to kick off a BBQ on the beach of ...well more pasta.