The Ferry in fort William

Waiting to set off and fetch Fio

Waiting for ferry to Fort William

Great cycle paths along the old Connell to Ballachish slate mine railway – brand new tarmac on most of it, following the main road and crossing it from time to time. Mick has been to see a physio in Oban who pummelled him with her elbows and we are ever hopeful that he will be able to dump the car in Inverness and cycle the last two days. Meeting Mick for lunch in FW then on to Fort Augustus. Only another 32 miles to go (done 42 today already). Ben Nevis is covered in cloud but the sun has been shining most of the morning. Only another 3 days to go after this! Looking forward to a lie in – been getting up at 6.30 every day to get away for 8 at the latest.

Off to Fort Augustus

Start of a long day in the drizzle. Two ferries and 70 odd miles later Fio should be in fort Augustus

Tarbert to Benderloch

It was day 11 yesterday . A 67 mile day. Started off cycling along Loch Fyne which was beautiful and still with purple mountains in the distance. Up through Lochgilphead and along the Crinan Canal where there were lots of yachts passing through. The road from there to Oban was fantastic – not too busy and good surface and gradients and views. Passed through Kilmartin and on to the turn off for Ardfern where Mick and I met for coffee and a brownie at the Crafty Kitchen – lovely place – lots of yachts and other boats on moorings and a small marina. Mick and I played cat and mouse for the next few miles – it was great to see him each time I cruised round a corner and he had parked up to take photos. On through Kimelford and into Oban whee there is a great descent into the town. The sun was shining and the tourists were out – nice atmosphere – normally it is damp and grey and blowing a hoolie when we are there!
Crayfish tail sandwich and on to Connell and over the Falls of Lora which were gently swirling. Got to b & b to be told they had double booked and could we go on to there daughter ‘a 1 1/2 mikes further down the road? Fine – but they have obviously never cycled it – it was definitely 2 miles – not that I am pedantic at all!

Nice beer together in Oban in the evening and then picnic tea.

On to Fort Augustus today. Mick has posted the route.

Garmin Connect – Benderloch to Fort Augustus

Garmin Connect – Benderloch to Fort Augustus.

Loch Fyne

Beautiful views across Loch Fyne as I cycled up to Lochgilphead this morning.

Dunivaig B & B – Tarbert

Most wonderful views from this B & B on Pier Road beyond the ferry terminal. We had just missed the Tarbert Seafood Fest but the revellers were still very much in evidence later in the evening. Went for a meal at the Frigate Hotel where the landlady , Marion, gave us our drinks for free on hearing of the charity ride – so we will put the money in the pot!

The Indomitable Mrs Mullane

This photo says it all for me. The indomitable Fio pulling up one of the many 600ft hills on the road to Oban. Unstoppable.

Prettier than Preston

On the road to Oban

The road goes ever on…

It will be a bit of a tough day for Fio today starting in drizzle and accompanied by midges