Day 14

Note on my entry last night. I was too tired to mention it at the time, but if you ever have the idea of cycling
through Inverness at rush hour, don't.  It's a nightmare of congested traffic, roadworks  and badly marked cycle ways.

View from our last nights accomodation

Anyway, having got that off my chest,  Jill, owner of the Dinsdale B&B/farm (along with her husband)  did us proud for breakfast, more than making up for the previous nights missed dinner.  Even better, the sun was out, the wind behind us for the first time in days and we had just 60 miles to cover to Helmsdale.

Open vistas, all the better for the head wind!!!

We stormed the first 25 miles, taking advantage of the helping wind to arrive at Tain for coffee. We did not have time to explore extensively but Tain looked to be a really interesting little town with some nice looking buildings.

After coffee the wind had put its "contrary" hat on again and we once again had to push against a head wind,  although more gentle than previous days.

There's really only one way up the coast along what is mostly the narrow A9 and it might be expected that the traffic would be really heavy. In fact this wasn't the case and as always we found the majority of drivers very patient. In fact,  this has been true of the entire trip. Maybe more people cycle these days which makes them more bike aware.

Taking a rest from riding into the wind

We stopped at Golspie  for a light lunch as we were saving ourselves for a fish and chip restaurant in Helmsdale that had been recommended by Gill that morning.

With only 15 miles left we arrived by 4.30 only to discover that we had passed the B&B 2 miles back!!

Entering Helmsdale

Never mind, we went for the fish and chips, which was well up to their billing, followed by a pint. Needless to say, progress back to the accommodation was conducted at a slow pace.

So tomorrow,  our final day.

Lands End seems a long way off and we have to remind ourselves of all the places we have visited so far. Weather looks to be ok so a prompt start tomorrow. 

Followed by a pint

Fish and chips in Helmsdale

Accomodation:    We both thought the accommodation here was rather half hearted, which was a shame for the last night as all the others we had used had been very good. 

Jutta's B&B

www.scotland-highlands.com