Scotland 2018

[Ninjachica]

Spent a good while here.

Had a tour of the lighthouse. Timed it right, and got a private tour.
Then walked around the balcony on the outside.
I must be getting over my fear of heights - I couldn't have done that a few years ago!

Scenery was amazing. Have I mentioned that before? Beaches were stunning. Water was blue. Sky was blue. Wonderful.

Saw some seals and some jellyfish - but missed the dolphins and the walrus!

[Ninjachica]

Went back the way I'd come, on to the Corran Ferry.

Worth the £3 - although the price of filling up in Strontian was a bit scarey. What the heck is going on with fuel prices? £1.45 for a litre of unleaded! (Just keep pouring it in)

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[Ninjachica]

OOO - can post two pictures!

Ok - so off towards Inverness...

Didn't stop in Fort William, apart from a quick photo oportunity with Ben Nevis

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Everyone recommended the south-east side of Loch Ness, so I turned off at Fort Augustus and took the scenic route...

Found cheap fuel at Tesco in Inverness, then off to the hotel in Beauly for the night.

[Ninjachica]

Sunday:
Set the sat-nav for the northernmost point

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For some reason, I set off wearing just a t-shirt under my jacket, but a stop in a layby rectified that! Good job too, as it turned a bit chilly on the way.

Scenery was stunning - again. Huge swathes of gorse all over the mountains. Bright yellow against the blue skies. Perfect.
Then over the moors towards Thurso.

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Was thrilled to finally see the sea - at the top of the UK at last. My dad could never believe I hadn't been there before. It had been on my to-do list for a long time. Soon spotted Dunnet Head. Meant a lot to me, and I know dad was on the bike with me.

Followed the road to the lighthouse and a fantastic view of the Orkneys

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[Ninjachica]

Loads of bikes coming and going - from every nation.
These guys were from czechoslovakia - very fetching kit

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Scenery was stunning - have I mentioned that?!!

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Was really glad I went. This was the main point of the whole trip for me

[Ninjachica]

Tucked on a trip to John O'Gorats
Well - you have to don't you?

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I really don't recommend it - apart from taking a few minutes out to get the obligatory photo.

Not much there, apart from tourists! I didn't even stop for a drink, but headed my way back down to Grantown-on-Spey, to meet up with a bunch of mates, doing their own tour.

[Ninjachica]

On Monday, I wound my way back down the A9.

Nasty average speed cameras all the way! Overtook a police car who caught up as soon as he could (He'd been stuck behind a lorry), but he realised I was being good, so he turned back!

Had a good run back, and was home by tea-time. (But of course, that depends on what time you have tea!)

Bike washed and fettled before I'd even unpacked. Washing done and in the airing cupboard before bedtime.

[Ninjachica]

How many miles?
Didn't clock it, so I'm doing an educated guess of 1,300

Was it worth it?
Yes

Would I do it again?
Yes

Was it ok to do on my own?
Yes

Would I have liked someone with me?
Yes and No
Yes 99% - the 1% no, is only because I could stop whever I wanted without anyone thinking - now what?!

Hotels?
First B&B was nice
Second hotel was lovely - if you can forgive the rooks waking you up at 5am!
Last one was a dump - but I knew that when I booked it (only booked it - to spend the night with a bunch of mates)

Cost?
What price riding a bike in that scenery

[Beelady]

I thought I'd replied to this thread already. I wonder where it's hiding. Anyway, it was just to say how much I've enjoyed seeing the pictures and reading everything. Thanks for going to the trouble of posting it all.

[bobsnicholson]

Wow Brid, well jel. Great pics and report, keep it coming. Last time i was up that end i was in my Porky with the lid down, as you say beautiful scenery and roads. Note to self, must do "the loop" (500) again and soon.

Ah well, back to the landscaping.