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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Laide to Ullapool

Day 4 of GWC S3 Projects 2009

We woke to quite a chilly morning and we all new that this was going to be a hard day - the longest and toughest yet. I set off with the lads at the front and tried to set a good pace to get everyone warmed up. From the profile of the route I knew that the middle of the day's ride was a long climb upwards to join the main road to Ullapool. I had a feeling that some of the smaller girls were going to find the climb quite tough.

We had a nice climb up to Mungasdale with good views of Gruinard Island. Now, I would have expected that we would have a nice run downhill into Dundonnell before our big climb of the day. However, it would seem that the wind had other ideas and it blew relentlessly into our faces as we headed down along the edge of Little Loch Broom. One of the girls had started to complain of chest pains so we let her ride in the van with JD. We kept a close eye on her but we were positive that she was just knackered and struggling to get up the hills.

We had some food at the coach stop in Dundonnell and got everyone prepared for the climb ahead. Considering yesterday had been a tough day, the kids were all in very high spirits and although the wind was a little breezy, the sun was still shining and we had escaped rain so far. Setting off up the hill and into the Dundonnell Forest, we had a near miss with a crazy driver in a camper van. JD, who was following us closely, saw the incident and went after him to give him what for!

Now it was head down and keep on going. The wind didn't help at all but luckily I had a cracking view of An Teallach to take my mind off the pain - and it really was pain...

Struggling on...!

JD drove the van just in front of some of the girls to give them some shelter from the wind. Meanwhile, the lads at the front made short work of the hill and, as a result, had a bit of a wait at Fain Bridge. Eventually, we managed to get the entire group up the hill and everyone had a well deserved sandwich. Today, on Lewis' recommendation, I had made cheese with sandwich spread... interesting! To my delight, and it may just have been because I was starving, it was amazing!

An Teallach

Lunch at Fain Bridge

All now refreshed, we headed off knowing that we had broken the back of the day. Again, we had said to the kids that the next section to the main road was fairly flat a easy going, but again the headwind was awful! I think it's fair to say that we all found this stretch quite hard going - we were tired and our legs were stiff from the hard climb this morning. After a hard slog, we reached the viewpoint just above Strone Wood and had a great vista all the way down into Loch Broom. A little bit further along the road, we made our final stop of the day at Corrieshalloch Gorge to see the impressive Falls of Measach. It was certainly an impressive sight, but I think the kids were just glad to be off the bikes for a wee while!

On the road again

Viewpoint above Strone Wood

The vista

Shattered!

Nice!

After our stroll, we joined the main A835 road and all noticed the sign that read: "Ullapool 10" - only ten to go... and it was actually the best ten miles of the day. With the rolling ups and downs of the road and the wind at our backs boosting us along, we were at the pier in Ullapool in no time at all. I would be telling poky pies if I said I wasn't glad to be finished for the day - that was a tough one for sure. The kids had done a remarkable job of getting through the day and certainly deserved a pad on the back for a job well done.

After checking into the bunkhouse and getting settled in, we treated the kids to fish suppers and an ice cream that evening - very well deserved. I couldn't wait for my bed that night...

Distance for the day: 42 miles
Total Distance so far: 126 miles
Route for the day:

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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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Contin to Kinlochewe

Day 2 of GWC S3 Projects 2009

The Team Kit

Today would be our first real test on our cycling tour of the highlands. Our destination today was 32 miles away: Kinlochewe. We would be cycling on the main road today but it's not exactly the busiest road in the world!

It was another fine day and there was hardly any wind - great for cycling. It had been a rather chilly night in the tents and when I woke there was a heavy frost on the ground. The kids were super efficient at getting up and putting the porridge and brews on. We soon had the tents down and the van packed up and were on the road by 9am. Only a few minutes down the road and we stopped to take in the sights of Rogie Falls. We led the kids down the forestry tracks to the suspension bridge to take in the view of the falls. It was well worth the short stop and I'd recommend it to anyone who is passing through the area.

Rogie Falls

Onward now, and we turned left onto the A832 just after Garve. There was a bit of a climb up to the up along the shores of Lochluichart, before a sweeping downhill section through Grudie. A few of the kids had their chains come loose on the first climb - most probably due to making the schoolboy error of changing gear with the chain under pressure. Nothing serious though and all was soon well. The road surface was of very high quality and I was informed that it was a relatively new road and that the previous incarnation was described as quite horrendous by both Lewis and Pete. We had great views of the hills as we pounded along the approach to Achnasheen in a good rhythm.
John got on his bike and joined us for the run into Achnasheen and Pete took up the driving seat of the van, as he was suffering a bit with his hip. We paused for lunch at the train station and tried to find some shelter from the relentless heat. It was clear that some of the kids were suffering in the sun so Jane whipped out the suncream again.
Heading off, we had a nice downhill run next to Loch a' Chroisg before a long climb up to the top of Glen Docherty. We all took a breather at the top of the climb and for a bit of a briefing about what was to come next.

Me and Lewis having a natter at the road-side

JD Setting off

Great Setting

We were faced with a rather steep run down into Kinlochewe and we were a little concerned that some of the kids wouldn't treat it with the safety and respect that it deserved! So we set them off one at a time in a staggered start in the hope that they would be sensible!
We needn't have worried though, and we all made it to Kinlochewe Bunkhouse in plenty of time for tea. I have to say that I hadn't slept in a three-tiered bunk bed before, but it was perfectly comfortable... apart from JD snoring!

One of many views

Parked up for the night

Distance for the day: 32 miles

Total Distance so far: 50 miles
Route for the day:

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Inverness to Contin

Day 1 of GWC S3 Projects 2009

It was finally here! I had been training hard for the last few months and was super excited for the bike project this year!

On the train... ready!

We all met at Waverly for the 9am train to Inverness. The kids were all super excited and so were the staff. There was great chat between myself, Pete, Jane and Lewis as we got the first round of coffees in before boarding the train north. Bryce and John were driving the bikes up to Inverness to meet us there. Apparently there isn't room for 16 bikes on the train... So we had 3 hours to chill out on the train before our first cycle. It was great getting the opportunity to head over the Forth Rail Bridge; something I had always wanted to do. It was rather a dull morning in Edinburgh but as we headed over the bridge, the sun decided to make a welcome appearance. I enjoyed the scenery and read my book as the kids amused themselves with a number of travel games and a pack of cards.

As we sped further and further north, the weather got even better - much to our delight. We were soon alighting at the platform in Inverness and attaching our panniers to our machines. Bryce and John had made good time and had only just beat the train to the station. We said our goodbyes to Bryce and we knew that the next time we would see him would be back here at the finish - 10 days and some 500 odd miles away!

We were about to head off until we had our first 'incident' of the trip. One of the boys (CF) had just announced to another lad that he was a bit worried about going down hill, as his back brake didn't work!?! Lewis went from zero to nuclear in exactly half a second. Obviously this was going to be a problem! After a cooling off period and a quick trip to the bike shop down the street, we were on our way and heading over the Kessock Bridge and taking in an amazing view into the Beauly Firth. There was only a slight headwind and the sun was blazing down. We swing left just over the bridge and down to the waterfront of North Kessock to eat our packed lunches. We looked hard, but we didn't spot the Dolphins - much to our disappointment. It was a lovely cycle along the small road hugging the coast to Milton before joining the main road to Muir of Ord.

A quick toilet stop and a chance to reflect on how things were shaping up with the group. Pete had been leading the way with Jane at the back and Lewis and I somewhere in the middle. John was following in the support van but managed to get a wee cycle along the coast between Kessock and Milton - so he was very pleased with himself about that. The kids were all doing well and all of them seemed to be enjoying the easy first day. A few miles later and we had reached the campsite at Contin. It was an excellent grassy campsite down by the river. It was now time to put our efficiency to the first test. The kids unloaded the van and started to pitch their tents. To be fair, they did a great job for their first time and we all knew that it was only going to get better, as this would be our routine for the next 10 days!

It was still only late afternoon so there was plenty of time to chill out and have a brew. The kids got rid of some of their energy by amusing themselves with a game of 'mob football' in the adjacent field. I told them to take it easy, as they had their first real test tomorrow...

Contin campsite

My home for the night

Distance for the day: 18 miles

Route for the day:

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