Kinlochewe to Laide

Day 3 of GWC S3 Projects 2009

After a disturbed nights sleep (thanks to JD's snoring!), I was actually quite glad to be up and back in the saddle again. It was another hot one - and no breeze again. Suncream time kids!

I set the pace from the off and we were speeding out of Kinlochewe at a fine rate of knots. However, we were soon stationary again as we spotted the GWC Torridon Project group at the side of the road opposite the Beinn Eighe nature reserve. Obviously we had to stop for a wee reunion! The group were in great spirits and were gearing up to tackle the giant hill of Beinn Eighe. As we set off again, I have to say that is was quite jealous that I wasn't going with them! However, I had a sneaky suspicion that I would be back next year leading the Torridon Project, as I knew that Ian was leaving at the end of the year and there was growing pressure on me to get more involved with things.

On our way again

The mighty Slioch

Head now back in the game and setting a good pace again as we made the long and gradual climb towards the single track road to Gairloch. We had great views across Loch Maree and Slioch standing tall in the sun. As we passed Slattadale, we turned into a rather nasty headwind. The climb was harder than I had imagined and the strong wind really took it out of us and as we reached the narrow road, we paused for a breather at a parking bay next to Loch Bad an Sgalaig. We chatted to the group about the next tricky downhill section that we had to negotiate safely. After taking a moment to enjoy the views across to Beinn Alligin, we continued on in the sweltering heat.

Taking a breather

Thankfully there wasn't too much traffic on the road and we got a lovely run down into Gairloch. We took a left at the Spar and along the front by Strath Bay and came to rest at The Mountain Coffee Company cafe. Time for a spot of lunch and one of their famous 'mountainous' scones! It was a great spot sitting out in the sun and taking in the view across the bay and out to sea. What a spot...

The view from Gairloch

Arty shot

Now the fun was about to begin. I had looked at the route profile of the day's route earlier and I was quite aware that we were now faced with a bit of a climb out of Gairloch towards Poolewe. It came a bit without warning and just after lunch! I found it quite tough and it certainly stretched the group out in a long line. As we climbed higher, I spotted a couple of crags on the left hand side of the road that I recognised from the guide books. Aztec Tower and Grass Crag were the most obvious to me and I made a mental note for a future climbing trip up here.

1st climb of the day complete

Next, we had a steep run down into Poolewe, where we had a stop by the river to take in a bit of sun. The kids were doing really well, as this was their first 'proper' test - but they were glad of another break. We then had another steady climb up to the viewpoint overlooking Loch Ewe and the Isle of Ewe. We knew that the run down into Aultbea was steep and because it was such a nice day, we thought it would make a great photo opportunity so we decided to stop at the viewpoint too. I also took the opportunity to tell the kids about Gruinard Bay and Gruinard (Anthrax) Island. I think they were quite shocked and surprised at this story but because of their age they also loved it. We set them off in a staggered start and got some good pictures of them heading down the zig-zags.

Taking in the sun at Poolewe

Viewpoint

Lewis and JD

The descent

All that was left was a fairly straightforward run along to the campsite by the beach at Laide. Obviously the kids were more tired after a much harder day in the saddle ans were a bit reluctant to get the van unpacked and the tents up. We put the grub on asap to try and lift spirits; it worked a treat! A few of the machines were showing a few 'niggles', so Lewis and I set about on some repairs as the sun faded. Later, we sat in the back of the van and shared a wee dram with JD. Another great day.

The beach at Laide

Some repairs!

Distance for the day: 34 miles
Total Distance so far: 84 miles
Route for the day:

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