The conditions today were glorious. It was sunny, warm (17 degrees) with a generous tail wind for most of the journey. The road surface was excellent and the scenery was nothing short of spectacular. It was an absolute joy to be on the bike for over 9 hours and cover 87 miles today.
I set off from Evanton taking the off-road National Cycle Route 1, along the Cromarty Firth and through the bustling town of Alness.
With the oil rigs behind me, the mixed terrain of rugged moorland and pastures peppered with Scots pines and mixed conifers became the feature.
I was loving the sun on my face and the wind behind my back!
The climb to Cadha Mor, also known as ‘The Struie’ was worth the effort, as I was rewarded with splendid views of the Kyle of Sutherland.
I stopped for my FIRST coffee and cake ‘refuelling’ in a bakers in Invergordon.
After pouring my coffee and seeing me with my bank card in hand, the lady serving me said they were only taking cash. I didn’t have a penny on me!
In an act of incredible kindness, local resident and all round good Samaritan, Fiona, stepped forward to pay.
I protested and said this was unnecessary, but she said something that warmed my heart “It doesn’t cost anything to be nice”. What a star!!
I had meant to check out the leaping salmon at the Falls of Shin, but I had passed it before I realised it was one of my planned stopping points. I pushed on to the picturesque village of Lairg. I was conscious this was the last place for supplies, potential accommodation, wi-fi internet signal etc for about 30 miles. I admit that does increase the vulnerability and anxiety dial just a little.
I managed to lose the small adapter cable which allows me to connect my earphones to my iPhone. This meant I was without music to distract me through the next 3 hours of very quiet single track road heading north. Alas, the scenery more than made up for this.
Despite being designated an A class road, the main route north soon becomes a single track with passing places. For the next 30 miles I was giving way to cars, camper vans and big lorries, or they reciprocated. It was all very patient and respectful. I did noticed there were loads of motorcycle tourers today. There is something quite beautiful about the miles upon miles or rugged golden natural moorland. Hence my choice of song today.
This part of my journey was not as isolated and desolate as I had feared. I came across ‘The Crask Inn’ and the blackboard advertised cold beer, coffee and cakes. Therefore, when in Rome! So, I stopped for my SECOND cake (Vanilla sponge) ‘refuelling’ and washed it down with a refreshing pint of Orkney Gold. Now get this, this brilliant stop-off is a small pub owned by the Scottish Episcopalian Church. The Good Lord operates in mysterious ways!
As I continued along Strath Vagastie towards Loch Naver with Ben Kilbreck ever present, I was thoroughly enjoying the spectacular scenery.
My journey continued through Allnarra and there was a steady climb for 4 miles towards reaching the north coast town of Tongue .
I stopped in Tongue and wolfed down a tuna crunch roll and banana. I enjoyed basking in the warm sunshine. However, I noticed the sun had turned the back of my legs a tingling scarlet. I have to say, I never thought I would get burnt in Tongue.
Due to the scarcity of accommodation, I had to cycle an additional 12 miles to reach my digs for the night. Once I hit the northly coastal road and headed east towards my destination of Bettyhill, the gradients increased, and so did the head winds.
I dropped into my lowest gear to climb a brutal hill before my 4 mile descent into Betthill.
At the top of the hill, I spotted 2 x touring cyclists. Welsh social workers Megs & Sarah, watched me puffing up the hill. They are cycling the Northern Coast 500 and I enjoyed the cycle in with them.
I was so relieved to get to my digs at 7.10pm. I was staying at the FBI (Farr Bay Inn) and once passing ‘the keepers of the Inn’ (the sheep that lined the road) I had a very relaxing evening.
Once again, I managed to smack my forehead off a low ceiling whilst I attempted to pass through the door to my room. I had worn my bicycle helmet for over 10 hours today. I had removed it about two minutes earlier and the one time it could have come in use to protect me, I wasn’t wearing it. Doh!
I had a lip-smacking dinner of chicken, leak and creaming whisky pie and watch Glasgow Rangers valiant effort in the Europa League final. I slept well!
Today’s trivial facts
NO. OF MILES CYCLED TODAY : 87
MOMENT OF THE DAY: The whole day was memorable for the splendid weather, favourable tail wind, glorious scenery and road surfaces which were a joy to cycle on. Whilst this was the longest day on the bike, it was one of my most enjoyable.
WEATHER: It was perfect today. Sunny and dry with a generous tail wind, 17 degrees
FUEL: I had 5 x meals today. Utterly ridiculous, but I am burning more calories than I am consuming.
SONG OF THE DAY: Fields of Gold – Eva Cassidy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UVjjcOUJLE
% of FUNDRAISING TARGET REACHED: 106% (Thank U for sponsoring me)
THURSDAY’S STAGE 14 DESITINATION: John O’ Groats, Highlands (50 miles)
Scotty Boy's Bicycle Across Britain 
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