Wed 13th Aug

Back in May we bought tickets to a festival and when we decide to do the little bike trip we knew that we would have to take a few days out for the festival. With this is mind we planned to go from Fort William to Crianlarich and catch a train from there, leaving our bikes behind. The train was at 7.33pm so we needed to cover 52miles and get there by then.

We set off on the A82 a busy road, but quite easy cycling, so the first 15 miles were easy. As we reached the start of Glen Coe we started to climb a long winding road passing through the mountains. It climbs gradually for miles.

Eventually you reach the Glen Coe ski area and you are totally surrounded by hills and mountains. It feels a long way from anywhere, beautiful and remote. It was a long ride and my legs were getting very tired.

We stopped after passing the sign on Rannoch Moor that tells you you are at 1142 feet, having run out of water. We filled up and used chlorine tablets to be on the safe side. After some chocolate and shortbread we carried on. After passing a sign saying we still had 11 miles to go, I was a bit worried, I thought it was less than that and I was so tired. Up more hills and I was going slower and slower. Chris was doing his best to keep my spirits up and cycled with me to keep me going. My legs were hurting and I was desperate to stop, finally we reached a downhill stretch which took us into Tyndrum, 5 miles before Crianlarich. After some food and investigation we found that we could catch the trian from Tyndrum, hurray!! Relief. We had cycled the 52 miles, with 5 still to do, but i was very pleased to make it, it was a hard day and i didn't know your legs and shoulders could ache so much.

We caught the train to Glasgow and were on our way to the festival in Exeter. We will be away for a few days at that, but back on the road soon.