Clachtoll to Scourie

Day 6 of GWC S3 Projects 2009

JD and I in full flow

After a battering in the tent overnight, we were all feeling rather jaded - to say the least! The kids were ok and seemed to have quite enjoyed the unexpected drama of the previous night. However, it was still blowing a gale and we made the call that it was too dangerous for the group to cycle today. There was, however, one small problem: our lack of transport in the form of a minibus...

A quick phone call from Lewis to the Sutherland Project leader and half an hour later, we had a minibus at the campsite. A crowd of friendly faces was just what we needed after the terrible night we had just experienced.

We loaded the kids into the bus and headed along the steep and winding road to Scourie. I have to say that I was quite gutted not to be having a go at the cycle today; as it was this stretch that had been the most talked about and hyped part of the route. Lewis and Pete had mentioned a few times that this road contained the infamous and dreaded 1 in 4 climb. As the bus struggled up the steep tarmac switchback, I thought it looked like a possible challenge and was tempted to get out with my bike and give it a go - but there were more pressing matters to attend to.

Machines with Scourie Bay behind

Scourie Campsite

We arrived safely at Scourie Campsite, and I was very pleased to learn that it was well sheltered from the wind. Lewis, John and I helped the kids put up the tents that had survived the night, while Pete and Jane drove back to return the minibus and fetch the bikes in the van. The kids were all shattered after a poor nights sleep so we took the opportunity to have some downtime and have a nap and visit the local Spar. Lewis, John and I visited the cafe and enjoyed a coffee and a piece of cake and chatted about how good a decision it was not to cycle today. The campsite had good facilities, so after a good hot shower we decided to put Pete's gazebo up. Lewis and I had concerns that it would just blow over later on or during the night, but Pete was having none of that chat and it was up standing in no time at all.

Gazebo action

After dinner, spirits were high again - especially after a good rest. Lewis had a great idea of having a fire on the beach and letting the kids toast marshmallows; great idea! The kids had soon gathered a healthy stack of wood and the fire was going in no time. We spent a great night next to the fire into the wee small ours chatting with the group and eating crispy S'mores - magic.

Beach at Scourie

Fire!

Distance for the day: 29 miles
Total Distance so far: 191 miles
Route for the day:

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Ullapool to Clachtoll

Day 5 of GWC S3 Projects 2009

I slept really well last night and boy did I need it - I think we all did. After a good breakfast, it was full waterproofs on, as the weather had taken a turn for the worse (worst!). We had been blessed with the sun for the past few days and I really couldn't believe that we were yet to see rain... until this morning where the rain was well and truly here; almost back with a vengeance.

We left Ullapool behind us and headed further north on the A835 in the driving wind and rain. Looking at the sky, and being in Scotland, I was confident that the rain wouldn't be pounding on us for the entire day. To make matters worse, it was rather chilly; especially with the strong wind. Our plan was to just keep going and stop as little as possible to avoid getting cold. The kids soldiered on and it was quite a scenic cycle (even in the bad weather) along to the turning at Drumrunie. The pack was now widely spread out and each staff member was keeping a close eye on the kids at various points in the pack.

Now heading along to the Aird of Coigach, we passed under Cul Beag and as we wound our way around Loch Lurgainn, Stac Pollaidh came out of the clouds and into view. It was just the motivation we needed and before I knew it we were all taking a breather at the turning for the back road to Lochinver. We briefed the kids about the road ahead through Inverkirkaig and that unfortunately it was going to be rather up and down... and up and down.

The mighty Suilven

Eh?!

We set off through the Inverpolly Forest and the group became quickly stretched once again. The rain had now passed and the sun was trying hard to make an appearance for the first time that day. A good thing about the terrain being up and down was the shelter that it gave from the wind - things were certainly looking up after a minging start to the day. We had a couple of steep climbs en route to Inverkirkaig and I noticed some of the smaller girls getting off their bikes to push them up - despite me telling them that it was actually more effort to do that! We met JD at the parking area just along the road from the book shop to get the group back together and to have a quick breather. I was hoping to pop into the book shop but it was closed - gutted! For anyone who is ever in the area, I can't recommend it enough. The quality and range of books are truly exceptional and considering the location; quite remarkable.

It was a rather chilly spot so we pushed on with another couple of climbs on the narrow road and then a nice run down into Lochinver. We knew it would be rude not to visit the amazing pie shop, so the staff headed straight there for a spot of lunch. As the kids were quite chilly, they were over the moon when we ordered them a round of hot chocolates! Again, if you're in the area; you simply MUST visit the pie shop.

Not far to go now, and just one more push up the final climb out of Lochinver. We turned off onto the B869 and headed up the hill on the poorly maintained road to Clachtoll. On nearing the top of the hill I spotted the viewpoint at the side of the road and pulled the lads in to wait for the others to catch up. We could now see the campsite below us; our destination and our home for the night. The kids were tired now and far more spread out than before but they were still doing brilliantly and certainly didn't show any signs of giving up. I set the kids of in the usual staggered formation for the steep run down into Clachtoll.

When we arrived I noted that by now the wind had really gathered momentum and was howling towards the shore. I saw that the campsite was fairly sheltered from the sea by the higher dunes, but was completely exposed on the other flank. I was pretty sure we were going to be in for a windy night.

Sure enough, the kids struggled to put up the tents in the strong wind - even with everyone helping it was a loosing battle. We decided to get some grub into us first and then come back to that one. However, it was even stronger when we tried again after tea. To be honest, the tents were quite old and were of poor quality. I tried using large rocks to anchor the guy lines but this simply put more strain on the poles and fabric and it wasn't long before a pole snapped and gave in to the relentless battering. It was the first of many and soon there was only 3 tents left fully standing. Time for plan B: we spoke to the campsite owner and he agreed to let the lads kip down in a wooden storage hut that was on the site and we still had a strong tent (pitched behind the van for additional shelter) for the girls. Obviously my Mountain Equipment tent was still standing strong! JD was adamant that he was sleeping in the van and was happy enough. We made a check of the kids, said goodnight, and turned into our sleeping bags for what I can only describe as the single worst night in a tent... ever!

Distance for the day: 36 miles
Total Distance so far: 162 miles
Route for the day:

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