Stoer to Scourie

Woke up to even stronger winds than yesterday - 27 mph from the SW with gusts of up to 50 mph. Not ideal cycling conditions but at least we were heading north and it was sunny to begin with. The coast road from Lochinver to Kylesku is fearsomely hilly with the worst of the hills after Drumbeg. In the 18 miles from Stoer to Kylesku you ascend 2800 feet, which is hard to beat in the UK.

Breakfast was very good - porridge with lots of toppings. Our landlady Maggie sent us on our way with a message for Madeline at the next guest house in Scourie - "we're still here". Ambled our way to Drumbeg and picked up chocolate and oat cakes in the village store. Another coffee (and some cake) at the Secret Garden tea rooms and then on to tackle the real hills (the map is full of double chevrons). Dennis at the B&B reckoned we would have to walk up the steeper hills but although they are steep they are not as bad as the ones we rode in Yorkshire last year. 26% being the worst I spied on the Garmin screen.

The wind was the worst factor today with gusts on exposed corners causing real problems on the narrow single track road. One gust turned me by 90 degrees and very nearly into a ditch. At least it was usually with us and on at least one hill I was pushed up hill with out peddling! The road constantly went up and down - no flat and by the time we arrived in Kylesku it was lunch time.

Kylesku used to be a ferry crossing but was by-passed a few years back when they built the bridge. The hotel does excellent food though (and beer). There was a curious group of English people dressed up in plus fours and one in a kilt - must be playing at lairds.

The rain rolled in as soon as we left Kylesku and the 10 miles to Scourie were with lashing rain towards the end. Did some filming for our take on the Rapha Continental Assynt Video which will be created when I return. Sheltered in the Scourie hotel with a cup of tea until we thought the B&B would let us in.

Eating at the B&B tonight. Last time the meal was fabulous so looking forward to it.

Between Drumbeg and Kylesku

Cullen Skink at Kylesku

Secret Tea Garden at Drumbeg

Very high winds between Drumbeg and Kylesku

Jackie's cheese board at Kyesku