Day 13

Accomodation:   Kildun Cottage B&B
www.kilduncottage.co.uk

When planning this trip I had thought of this day as
being a fairly easy one, following the banks of Loch Lochy and Loch Ness. In fact it turned into one of the toughest,  largely because of the wind that shifted yet again over night to provide us with another day of pedaling into a head to winds.

As a result of the wind we kept to the low, main valley road, which is probably the least attractive option. The original plan had to follow a higher route parallel to the main road, 

Leaving the B&B in Fort William

At least it didn't rain. Leaving Fort William a steady climb takes you up past the Commandos Memorial and then on to Loch Lochy which sits surrounded by dramatic hills and cliffs.

Climb to Loch Lochy

Between the two large lochs sits the smaller Lock Oichy and it was here that we stopped for morning coffee.  Here we met another couple also on LEJOG,  planning to finish on Saturday.   At this point of the journey route options narrow down and you are constantly bumping into other riders. 

Coffee stop by Loch Oichy

After a brief stop at Fort Augustus, busy with day trippers it was on then to Loch Ness which looks rather ordinary after Lochs further to the west. Its also long, around 30 miles, with very few places to stop for refreshments.

Eventually we pulled over at  Drumnadrochit for a well earned snack and pint of lime and soda, our preferred refreshment when riding.

Fort Augustus

At this point we had intended to take the high road to Dingwall where we were staying for the night but the continuing northern wind persuaded us to take the low road via Inverness.


As we navigated Inverness I had second thoughts about the wisdom of that decision, the wind on top of the hills seeming at that point a lot more attractive than cycling through the town center at rush hour.

In all we covered 83 miles today, mostly into the wind and I was well knackered and looking forward to a pint and a meal. Sadly we were foiled by the local pub/restaurant that shuts the kitchens a 8.00pm!!!

Still, we are staying on a working farm and breakfast promises much.