A SHORT TOUR AROUND THE WEST AND NORTH COAST OF SCOTLAND
This was a four day tour with five men all aged about 60. Three were on road bikes and two started on electric bikes although one decided to use a road bike for the final two days. The problem with combining a ebikes and road bikes is that ebikes are very good going up hill but slower on the flat and downhill as the motor cuts out at 24kph. The batteries were excellent easily managing 95k and 1600m climbing one day.
Rosehall to Lochinver
After a comfortable night at the Achness hotel the team set off quickly to avoid being attacked my midges. After a lovely ride down the Oykel river the team headed south to join the road from Drumrunie to Achiltilbuie. This is a stunning road and at the end there are amazing beeches and views of the Summer Isles. We stayed at the comfy Polcraig Guest House and had a very good dinner at the An Cala cafe.
Who needs the Stelvio ?
The Summer Isles
Lochinver to Kinlochbervie
There are a choice of routes but probably swayed by the ebikers the team chose a the very up and down but beautiful route hugging the coast. At one point the gradient touches 25% but at least the climbs are short.
Heading 1
Kinlochbervie to Altnaharra
Again there are a choice of routes but it was decided to head to the north coast to Durness. The day started in drizzle but soon improved and spirits were high with a following wind and a lovely downhill run into Durness fo a coffee and cake stop at Cocoa Mountain at Balnakeil.
The following wind was less popular as the road turns south around Loch Eribol for a picnic.
After lunch there was a lovely ride along Loch Hope followed by a long downhill to the Altnaharra Hotel.
Arriving into Durness after a long downhill stretch
Heading 1
Failed attempt at the Pro look
Altnaharra to Rosewall
The final day started with a long climb enjoyed mainly by the remaining ebiker. He didn't enjoy the long gentle decent into Lairg so much. From Lairg we followed the Shin river for lunch at Shin falls and a gentle ride back the the Archness Hotel.
Ready for action
The Road to Achiltibuie
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