On Rannoch Moor

We left Glasgow on a bonnie Scottish morning, took the magnificent cycle track along the river Leven to Loch Lomond where head wind and rain found us waiting their arrival. We followed the river to Craig- something where the landlord warned us against going over the moor. The weather was at best unpredictable. However it turned out to be unpredictably agreeable (cold, yes. Windy, yes. headwind - why ask). But after the somewhat strenuous , but short climb we were enjoying the moon scape of the moors. We had by the usual village idiot who clearly had never left the place of his birth been told that once up it was a free-ride down to Glen Coe. Well, that was not exactly how we experienced it - but the last 8 miles were fantastic- a roller coaster ride surrounded by autumn colours illuminated by the setting sun. Between holding on to the handlebars whilst descending at 35 mph I did manage to get some photos of the scenery (no I was not fast enough to take the one of P and me). We decided to press on to Fort William in order to fulfil our duties as justices of peace in the local bar. The Belhaven on Tap is really rather disappointing , but the bottles of Red MacGregor and Dark Island were spectacular (both from the Orkney brewery, 5000 years in the making). The R McG had a  Malty quality but S also thought there was a hint of Rum. The DI according to Paul had a "sitting around the fireplace" quality to it - lovely sweetish malty perhaps with a hint of iodine ( it will probably do our ever sore backsides some good!) . Possibly not session ales but a wonderful change to Belhaven which was also forced upon us (we did struggle and protest!!) in Glasgow.

Tomorrow we aim to pass through Inverness, purchase our return tickets to civilisation, welcome home parties, media obligations, and visits to our local watering holes. We will break up the remaining 220ish miles into three stages and a similar amount of beers. So much to experience and taste, so little time.