Thursday 22 September 2011

Day 12. Fri 26th Aug. Inveraray to Fort William. 73 Miles.

The Lochs

We had a lovely evening last night at the ARGYLL HOTEL. We are getting along splendidly
as a group.        I know I've said this before but the other six are missing out on so much.
We don't cycle with them and we don't see them in the evenings. Christine is doing her own thing and Bob is so far behind, he's on his own during the day most of the time. Howard and Steph stay on their own as do Chris and Sunni. They don't even mix as a six!! There's nought as strange as folk! So you'd think they would make an effort and join us in the evening. We have such a laugh sharing our experiences of the day and finding out little bits about each other. I always say experiences are much better shared with friends and we are already making plans to meet up after this adventure. I doubt the same can be said for the 'Posh'.
Anyway I digress..
We left at 8.30 and were straight into a steep climb along the wooded valley of  GLEN ARAY initially 13% then climbing gently for 7 miles until dropping down to the shores of LOCH AWE. The weather was fine and sunny with little wind, perfect for cycling.
We hit some road works half way up and were kept waiting at the traffic lights for what seemed an age. In fact we thought that the rest of the group would catch us up.Shock horror! Eventually we got a car escort along the roadworks. He was going from one end of the works to the other making sure no one jumped the lights as each change took 10 minutes.
Once passed the works we were in for a real treat as we had ten miles of freshly re-tarmacked road. Smooth as a baby's backside and bliss for my damaged rear end as well.
In fact the only sore point about this adventure is my sore arse!
Loch Awe




We reached Loch Awe and passed the Island of INISHAIL with it's 13th century Chapel.
Going at some pace today and I sensed Jane was in a hurry. I was trying to take in the beautiful views. So many of them you get a bit blase'.


Inishail Island and Chapel
We turned around the head of Loch Awe on the A85 and doubled back around the other side for 5 miles. Then through the wooded valley of  the PASS of BRANDER to TAYNUILT. Then on to Connel where the road climbed to cross the Bridge over the estuary with the shimmering beauty of  ARDMUCKNISH bay to our right and on  to BENDERLOCH.
Ardmucknish Bay
Loch Linnhe

Loch Linnhe
Loche Linnhe


We then came upon a mixture of cycle paths which were pleasant to ride along away from the busy A828 until we reached APPIN with a further 2 miles of secluded cycle paths.
Then a steep climb up the main road to PORTNACROISH. This was our planned stop some  47 miles into the day. We stopped at the 'Castle Storker View' cafe which offered views down to LOCH LINNHE and SHUNA ISLAND. The cafe was fairly busy, obviously a popular stop for tourists. We had our customary bowl of soup and I had a mouth watering apple crumble and cream for pudding. Using the remainder of my cream for my coffee, yum yum. Where as Jane opted for a flapjack and a scone. ( how do I remember all this? Normally my memory is shocking).The soups are definitely getting smaller the further up the British Isles we get.
The soup was however served swiftly, mine arriving before Jane had ordered hers and sat down.
With just 25 miles to do we set off with renewed vigour and blasted along LOCH LINNHE entering THE HIGHLANDS and onto more cycle paths to north BALLACHULISH. (pronounced Ballahulish, Ta Dave.)and onto the bridge separating Loche Linnhe and LOCH LEVEN. This is where today's ride took an interesting turn. We were  just coming off the cycle path and onto the main A82 when four chaps on bikes came past in front of us. They began to pull gently away. We are no slouches and were going along at about 17mph. Jane was behind me which was a rare occasion on this trip let me tell you. I noticed that one of the chaps had panier's and thought that I can't let them get away from me with panier's on the bike so I upped the pace and after about a mile caught them up and soon passed. It was my intention just to get by them and put a bit of distance between us, but Jane had other ideas. She blasted passed me saying something like, "You're going to regret that". Continuing to hurtle down the road at breakneck speed. I quickly got on her back wheel and we raced along for about 10 miles! As the terrain was relatively flat I was able to keep up to her. But I'm sure that I've told you before , this lady is fast. A 26min 10 mile TT rider. So rather depressingly for me as soon as we hit a slight incline she pulled away and I was alone with my thoughts.



View from  b&b window at Fort William
Just beside the 'Welcome to Fort William ' sign Jane was waiting for me. I skulked up and we rode through town together to our b&b. The Guisachan Guesthouse. Where this time Jane managed to blag an upgrade to a room with a view over to Loch Linnhe.
We were really going well today and had time to wash , change and stroll into town. Do some shopping and scout out all the local eateries for the evening. We had a drink and got back to the b&b before anyone else had arrived.
Dave got back first minus Jenny. She'd been having problems with her bike and Ken had taken her to the bike shop in town to get it fixed. Caroline and the boys arrived soon afterwards. We had a drink with Dave who then left to get ready for the evening. Jenny arrived with Ken and joined us  for a pint of Cider. When the group joined us it was Robin who persuaded us to go for dinner at the Alexandra Hotel as we would get 10% off with our hotel cards. The only place we hadn't been earlier! Time was getting on so eager for some food Dave, Jenny , Jane and I set off for the hotel which was just around the corner. We sat down and were entertained by a Scottish female one  woman band who had a very pleasant voice. The rest of the group joined us soon afterwards and another enjoyable evening was had by all.

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