Durness - Official Rest Day

Day 8 of GWC S3 Projects 2009

Balnakeil Bay

Unfortunately there would be no cycle to Cape Wrath today; due to the military exercise that was in full flow. I have to say that I was quite gutted that we wouldn't get out there but I was also thinking that it was a great excuse to come back and add to the never ending to-do list!

First thing after breakfast we had some very welcome visitors: the Durness Project. Once again, it was nice to see some familiar and friendly faces and it seemed they were just as excited to see us. They had a few tales to tell from their first week in Durness and how the wind that had made our cycling difficult had also stopped them from reaching the summits of their target hills. We were then asked if we would like to take part in a football match this evening. JC explained that some of the locals had asked them to have a game with them on the pitch just over the road and we were more than welcome to join in as well. Obviously my face lit up at this idea straight away so I immediately volunteered and roped in some of the boys at the same time - excellent stuff!

Once the Durness group left us to it, we geared up for our short cycle to Balnakeil Bay. This was to be our base camp for most of the day - and what a day it was. The sun and the blue sky was just what we wanted for a day on the beach. After the short run down the road, we left our bikes on the grass next to the ruined church on the edge of the dunes - amazing spot. I took a moment just to take in the setting and how stunning the beach was that lay before us. Lewis said that if we walked along the beach and followed the track north and over the small lump, there was nicer bay that was more sheltered... so we set off.

Balnakeil Bay

Balnakeil Bay

Balnakeil Bay

Balnakeil Bay

Balnakeil Bay

Balnakeil Bay

Balnakeil Bay

Balnakeil Bay

It was great to chill out and get some sun on the beach. It was so warm that we even all went in for a paddle. The kids had a great time playing football, rounders and 'ring of fire'.
Mid afternoon we headed back to the bikes and made our way back up the hill from the beach. It would've been rude not to take the kids for the best hot chocolate in Scotland, so we made a stop at Cocao Mountain at Balnakeil Craft Village. If you've never been, I can only describe it as AMAZING HOT CHOCOLATE! It's almost worth the journey to Durness by itself! Needless to say; the kids loved every drop of it... and so did the staff!

The Big Match

We headed back to the hostel to get the grub on for tea and then to warm up for the big match. It turned out that only three members of the local team showed up for a kick about but there were more than enough GWC staff and kids to make up a 9-a-side game. I have to say that the game was taken quite seriously and it ended a very fair 4-4. It was another very memorable day of GWC Projects.

Home Sweet Home

Scourie to Durness

Day 7 of GWC S3 Projects 2009

A moment to myself...

I was hoping to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for action after yesterday being a rest day, but instead I woke feeling sluggish; perhaps caused by JD snoring all night in the tent a few feet away from me. He brought me a cup of tea to my tent door with a grin on his face and I knew straight away that the gazebo had been obliterated in the night; a comical sight indeed. John was also very proud of the porridge that he had just made, the wooden spoon standing up straight in the middle of the pot. During breakfast I had a 'moment' where I spaced out a little due to feeling rather knackered and Lewis kindly snapped a picture of me at that exact moment.

Hilarious

Perfect porridge

After everyone had sorted themselves out (me included!), we hit the road for the relatively easy day ahead. It was a cool, dry day with little wind - perfect for cycling. The first few miles were pretty easy going and we were crossing Laxford Bridge in what seemed to be no time at all. Around 11am we stopped at the Rhiconich Hotel for a hot chocolate stop for the kids. One of the kids played out a few tunes on the dining room piano - a very talented young lad indeed.

John

Hot chocolate stop at the Rhiconich Hotel

We pressed on; passing the turning to Kinlochbervie to start the long and gradual climb up and over to Gualin. Surprisingly, the going was good despite the definite chill in the air. I kept in a big gear and just powered through and wound up the momentum; gradually picking up speed. We all made good time, as we were all well rested after yesterday's unplanned break. We had a long lunch stop at the bridge at Drochaid Mhor and the sun decided to join us - an idyllic setting.

Lunch at Drochaid Mhor

Lunch at Drochaid Mhor

Leaving Drochaid Mhor

After a good break, all that remained was a nice run into Durness that was only a couple of miles. We rounded the corner and immediately had a glorious view of the sandy inlet at Rubh' a' Ghrudaidh and the turquoise Atlantic. We were enjoying every moment of this run and had built up a good pace until... we encountered the Germans, their stupidly big camper vans, and their lack of respect for cyclists on a single track road! Absolute rudeness - not to mention dangerous! Once seeing the group through that minor ordeal, we cruised downhill into Durness.

Approaching Durness

Approaching Durness

Approaching Durness

Approaching Durness

We headed straight for the hostel to get settled in and to unload the van. Unfortunately, on arrival, Lewis discovered that there had been a bit of a mix up with the rooms and there wasn't enough staff beds. Camping didn't bother me one bit and Lewis said the same so we quickly pitched our tents on the front lawn without a second thought. We got the dinner going and we talked about the plan for tomorrow - it was our planned rest day but, as we'd already had an unplanned one, Lewis was keen to try to cycle out to Cape Wrath with the group. Unfortunately the warden quickly informed us that they had been bombing the heck out of the place all week and it wasn't due to finish until Tuesday. That was that then. A day on the beach for us instead! Shame!

A room with a view!

'Papped' by Lewis

Distance for the day: 25 miles
Total Distance so far: 216 miles
Route for the day:

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