Day 11 Bonar Bridge to Tongue. Monday 4th July 2011

51 miles
Total: 923.3


Today is what cycle touring is all about!

The day began with an early start after a top breakfast from Mrs Thomson which included Black Pudding - a rare treat for the Chain Spokers.

As 4 out of 6 prepared to hit the road, Nick and Andris enjoyed an episode of Friends before deciding we would finally get on our merry way!

We soon passed the majestic Carbisdale Castle perched on it's throne on top of the hill. Now a Youth Hostel, it holds a special place for the 4 Stewart's Melville FP's in our ranks as we stayed there for the best part of a fortnight on a school trip when we were 15. I took great pleasure in explaining to the other two lads the colourful history of the place and the great memories we shared there. I think Fraz and Andris understood that I really, really, love that place! It was a shame we couldn't stay there but the castle bore the brunt of the severe winter weather and was closed for repairs for the foreseeable future.

There is not much to report apart from more great scenery and open landscapes - and also our two pub stops. We did however bump into the token Hibby coming out of the shop in Lairg! The first pub was at the Crask Inn after 24 miles exactly half way through our day. (The fact is was only just gone midday didn't matter.) We stopped for a pint and had our packed lunch in the sun. We laughed how most of us thought there would be more relaxing day's like this when bike touring!

The next "refreshment" stop was at the Altnaharra Hotel. It was great banter sitting in the sun for an hour at each pub and a far cry from the extreme -27 degree's that it reaches during the winter as the coldest place in the UK.

One of the best bits of today was the Tornado jets that flew through the Glens and really low over our heads. It certainly created a buzz with the boys. Easy target practise for the pilot I presume.

On approaching the Kyle of Tongue, Ben Hope cast an incredible presence over everything else in the area. The chiseled face was very imposing and we got some great shots of it.

Before arriving at the hostel we stopped off to buy dinner at one of the world's limited Spar's. Nevertheless, as student life was not too far behind us we managed to throw together two pasta dishes from an onion, chicken, bacon, Cup a soup, and Feta cheese. I had presumed we would cook our tea more often but between staying some nights in B&B's and arriving late in the evening most nights we had a pub dinner.

The hostel was absolutely superb, situated right on the waterfront and carpeted throughout! After dinner we decided to walk into the village for a pint. We almost immediately regretted this decision as it was up a very big hill and took us 25 minutes - so to make it worthwhile we stayed for 2 pints. As we walked back to the hostel at 10.30pm the sun was just setting and it was a great sight this far north.

With a great tail wind behind us and little hills to climb we barely had to pedal today. It was one of the easiest day's on a bike we will ever have.

John O'Groats tomorrow!