...into the glens

Miles: 106 (776)
Punctures: 0

Made an early start out of Tarbet - no proper brekkie. The morning mists slowly lifting off Loch Lomond. We got stuck into the steady upslope, stopping at Crianlarich for a banana, Daily Telegraph (me), sausage roll the size of a truncheon (Nick).

The road ground on upward, with a nasty kick above Tyndrum and on over the Black Mount to Rannoch Moor. Spectacular, desolate, and at 1421 feet from lochside, our biggest climb so far. We had coffee and a scone at the Kings House Hotel before the long drop through Glencoe to the sea. Simply awesome scenery, with snow still clinging to northern slopes. Even the caravanning bagpiper couldn't detract from the dramatic beauty.

Over the bridge at Ballaculish, the A82 hugs Loch Linnhe into Fort William. Another stunning ride, fetching up at, yes, Morrisons café. Three days after Nick's customer feedback the chairs are still resolutlely bolted to the floor. Why do we bother? Still, a very nice all-day breakfast & hot chocolate.

Nick said we were entering the Great Glen - as a Spurs fan all I could think was "Hoddle".

We seem to be fated to miss cycle paths, and today was no exception. So we took the road out under a majestic cloud-wreathed Ben Nevis, to Spean Bridge and the drag up to the Commando monument.

When we did find the cycle track it proved to be more track than cycle. Not a good idea on a road bike!

We did the last 5 miles to Fort Augustus along the Caledonian Canal - great fun if you can avoid the potholes and the wiers are dry. In a super little B&B, and dined well in the pub - nick battling with a Desperate Dan portion of fish & chips.

About 160 miles to go, so it's getting close.