Tongue to Lairg

Day 10 of GWC S3 Projects 2009

After a good nights rest in the very comfortable Tongue Youth Hostel, we started up the hill into the village; a steep climb for the warm up! We then turned the sharp hairpin in the village and continued up the hill. It was a slightly dreary day and was quite chilly - but we knew the end was in sight and that this would be our second last day in the saddle. These thoughts were enough to keep our heads down and the pedals turning.

We turned of the main road at the war memorial and onto the A836 towards Altnaharra. Passing through Braetongue, we had a stunning view to the south with Ben Loyal in the distance - another one to add to the list! This was a nice stretch of road - a steady run along the water's edge. First passing Loch Craggie and then along Loch Loyal. We paused before the first climb of the day at Inchkinloch. Then the heavy traffic started and I started to feel quite nervous for the safety of the group. This was clearly a very busy working forest, with large trucks of freshly felled timber thundering along the narrow road in the slippery wet; time to stop for a brief chat with the kids. Safety talk over, we pushed on and the sun even came out on our faces for a few minutes as we began the descent down into Altnaharra.

First climb of the day...

Timber....!

We stopped for lunch at the Altnaharra Hotel and it was at this point that the heavens opened on us; and I really do mean opened! We all dived for cover under a big tree and shared the joke of how heavy the rain was falling - it was crazy! As soon as the rain eased off, we pressed on up the road and another forestry climb and more heavy traffic.

Pausing for thought

Strange sculpture outside The Crask Inn

The Crask Inn

Our next refreshment stop was the Crask Inn. The only way I can describe it is: one of the strangest places I have ever been. However, the folk were very welcoming and the kids loved the hot chocolate in that remote spot. All that remained of the cycling for the day was a gentle run down through more trees to Lairg.

The campsite was a cracking spot but the weather was still miserable and wet. I helped put up tents with the kids and Lewis and Jane got the pot on, while John and Pete went for some 'refreshments'. Everyone headed to bed early that night - huge last day tomorrow!

Nice weather for ducks!

Lairg campsite

Distance for the day: 38 miles
Total Distance so far: 284 miles
Route for the day:

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Durness to Tongue

Day 9 of GWC S3 Projects 2009

Which way?!

Now well and truly rested, we were all keen to get back on the bikes and get some more miles under our belts. Before we hit the open road however, we decided to take in a couple of the sights of Durness that we didn't see yesterday. Firstly, we stopped at the signposts next to the Oasis Bar for a few group photos. Next, we took the time to visit and explore Smoo Cave. If you're ever in the area then it is certainly worth the walk down into it and is quite an impressive natural feature.

Right, enough sightseeing and now back to business. We set off at a good pace out of Durness and up the headland towards Leirinbeg and Leirinmore. It was another glorious day and this time: hardly a breeze in the air! After the initial climb, we had a very pleasant run along the west shore of Loch Eriboll in the sun. We had some good banter with the kids as we coasted along; they were in fine spirits and I think they finally realised just what an incredible journey this was. Once we rounded the Loch, we began the climb up towards Eriboll and we found a nice little lay by at the side of the road by a small beach to have our lunch. We all took some time to sprawl out on the grassy shore and soak up the rays. In other news: randomly a huge bumblebee landed in Jane's cuppa and committed suicide...

The Team

Smoo Cave

Smoo Cave

DANGER - Falling Rugby Ball??

Smoo Cave

Smoo Cave

Leaving Durness

Loch Eriboll

R.I.P. Mr. Bumblebee

Arty

Battle Scars

Battle Scars

Off again and time to get psyched for the big climb of the day: up and over The Mhoine (A' Mhoine). We had a short and gradual climb and then a nice gentle run down to Hope Bridge and passed Hope Lodge. Then it was upon us. The tarmac quickly steepened and switched back on itself and the chatter stopped. It was now every man for himself, head down and try to keep the pedals turning. I was feeling quite good so I decided to get out of the saddle and powered up it in no time at all and was soon at the top waiting at the plateau; looking south towards Ben Hope. I had a magnificent view as I waited for the others to get up the climb.

A' Mhoine

Ben Hope... and some posers

Next came the 'freewheel challenge', as Lewis called it. We were set off one at a time and we were allowed a run up and to pedal as hard as we could until we were level with the van; parked 100 metres down the road. After that we were to rely purely on gravity to take us down to the causeway at the Kyle of Tongue. This was going quite well, until we were hit in the face by a strong headwind and were forced to pedal and take matters into our own hands. Nevertheless, it was a great run down into Tongue and up a short sharp climb to Tongue SYHA. It was at this point that the heavens decided to open so we quickly unpacked the van and got settled into the hostel. I was very impressed with the facilities and very much enjoyed the hot shower. After dinner, Lewis set a photo slide show going on his laptop of the photos he had taken so far. This was a great laugh and the kids loved it. We had also been left a note by the Tongue/Gairloch Project that the group had written for our group - a nice touch.

'Freewheel Callenge'

Later that evening I popped outside to snap a great picture of the amazing night sky. A great end to a great day.

Night Sky, Tongue

Distance for the day: 30 miles
Total Distance so far: 246 miles
Route for the day:

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