I write this entry on the morning of day 22, given that last night I went to bed at 8.30 pm. The reason, to be honest, was that I had imbibed 2 pints of beer. Add that to the tasty dinner enjoyed at the Nip Inn, in Lairg, and you have a recipe for sleep.

 

Day 21 began with relatively easy cycling, and a sense that life would be great if only we could trust the toughness factor rating of 18 (compared to some of route TF’s of 42 and above).

 

We were back from the day’s ride by 4 pm, which suggests that the riding was in fact a lot easier than usual. The significant aspect of the journey had to be the sense of remoteness. We crossed a large tract of highland terrain, gentle hills covered in heather, bracken, and possibly a well camouflaged deer/ deer stalker or two.

 

The trail conditions were sufficiently good for us to be able to cycle 99% of the time. Bumpy jeep tracks, dry, and relatively well used by hunters in their 4x4’s, meant that we could make a good time. Once we arrived at Lairg we showered and then scouted the village. Half the shops were closed down, or boarded up. Paul spotted an internet café and he headed in that direction to recover email. Apparently the café comprised a single computer on broadband, and a parallel hair cutting service.

 

The shops have peculiar opening and closing times. We noticed a pattern that hypothetically suggests people are circulating their working day by popping up in different guises and times to run the various shops.

 

The Nip Inn, serving meals from 6 pm to 8.30 pm. produced excellent quality cooking, and coupled with the beer ensured we were well caloried for today. 50 miles to cover, and through even more remote countryside.

 

Paul is outside swatting midges, Stuart is tidying up, Martyn is getting changed, and I am falling behind. Better go and do the morning routine.

 

Gavin