This is got have been the toughest day we have had so far. We started at 9.15 a.m. and finished at 10.30 p.m. in total darkness. It was a 77 mile journey, of which we must have pushed the bikes across at least 7 miles of very difficult terrain, including large tracts of forest and bog.

 

Whilst we were on target in terms of the being on the route, following the correct bearings, the track itself was either missing or totally overgrown. As a result we used creativity, jumping fences, clambering down small cliffs, and wading through rivers. Try it with a bicycle sometime!

 

Our concern throughout the long times spent in the forest stemmed from the real possibility of getting lost in the vast tracts of pine plantation. It also stemmed from the fact that we were very close to some or other military installation. A Jaguar fighter jet was in the air overhead for hours, not to do with us of course, but it did add to the sense of being where we might not be welcome.

 

Personally speaking, the day had a painful intrusion, namely, a wasp in my shirt. The creature only managed to deliver a single stinger (air to ground missile) before it was eliminated with a sam (ground to air missile)-ack. The ache lasted for a disproportionately long time and was located underneath my right armpit, a sensitive spot for most.

 

At around 6 p.m. we knew we would have a late night, given that there was still a long way to go and plenty of awkward terrain in the way. As such we re-routed and opted to make up time with a bit of road work. We stopped at a cottage in the forest and asked the somewhat surprised family for a map of the area. The maps we carry show quite a bit of our surroundings, but they are strip maps and we needed a bigger picture. Map supplied, we had a quick look at how we could speed up our journey. We managed to reduce the journey from 30 to 20 miles and took note of some short cuts recommended by our new friends.

 

The night arrived after a truly stunning sunset. We cycled in darkness until we couldn't see a thing anymore, the idea being that we should conserve the battery life of our lighting systems in case they were needed for a longer spell than we initially anticipated. Cycling through remote countryside in darkness and with wet cold feet, legs, etc. is not something I ordinarily suggest as a way of having fun.

 

We came to the final 5 miles, to be ridden off-road over a hill and then a final descent to Tibby Shiels Inn and our campervan. Lights went on as we navigated the track, earlier described by our forest friends as being something only to be driven along by landrover or similar 4x4.

The descent was interesting, with the three of us bunching up so that we could pool our light. Sheep could be seen scattering up ahead, white blobs moving before our eyes. The track was less trouble than we expected, and we were soon at the bottom and alongside St. Mary’s Loch.

 

A welcome from Stuart and a massive meal, bangers and mash, onion sauce and finished off with rice pudding and apricots. We showered quickly then crashed out, conscious that within a few hours we would need to be back in the saddle to tackle day 16, described as a very long and tough day.

 

Gavin