Managed to get away early from Kilmartin, despite the proprietor being a tad reluctant to get up at 07:30, and then mildly incredulous when I asked for just cereal, fruit & tea. To be fair she did give me a freebee cereal bar to help tide me over.
Conditions were good again today, with a decent tailwind and no rain. There were a few short hills between Kilmartin and Oban but nothing too scary. The 'A' continued to be reasonably quiet.
Conditions were good again today, with a decent tailwind and no rain. There were a few short hills between Kilmartin and Oban but nothing too scary. The 'A' continued to be reasonably quiet.
On the road to Oban:
'River' Oude ...
Knipoch ..
As I'd made good progress that morning I had a relatively lengthy stop at Oban to replenish my energy and find somewhere to pump up my tyres a little. The tea shop, Bossards, proved to be a winner with a fine pot of tea and exciting custard slice (plus a little flapjack for afters). The lady serving kindly gave me a tuna salad baguette for free in lieu of a donation. A chap at the local Car and Mountain Bike hire centre put some more air in my tyres, and recommended that I steer clear of the Cycle way through the Great Glen where it runs alongside Loch Lochy as its essentially for Mountain Bikes (i.e. with fatter more grippy tyres). Advice that was later heeded.
Pics from between Oban and Ballachulish:
Falls of Lora ( don't look much but you've to be careful with your boats apparently ) ..
Loch Creran I think ..
Loch Linnhe looking towards Kingairloch & Mull ..
Entering Lochaber ( couldn't help hearing that Proclaimers song in my head for a while ) ...
Proper spot of my first Munro I think - Sgorr Dhonuill ..
The Pap of Glencoe, I think, ...
Continued to make good time in the afternoon and arrived fairly early into North Ballachulish to be greeted by friendly B&B owners. Popped out for some basic but decent dinner at the Loch Leven hotel - one of only two realistic options for eating within walking distance (the nearest shop is 3 or so miles away).
Views from North Ballachulish:
Looking West across Loch Linnhe ..
Looking south towards Sgorr Dearg ..
Throughout the day the scenery had been wonderful. The road running alongside Lochs for the majority of the way, with views of magnificent hills beyond. Just consistently stunning, with the only slight downside being the need to hop off the bike to appreciate it all safely due to the road carrying fast traffic.
Stats for the day:
mileage 60.9
Total to day 920.1
Flapjack 1
Custard slice 1
Munros spotted 1
Cheers,
Mat.
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