Terry and Sian really looked after us well and after a good breakfast we set out. We started with 4 miles off road cycle gymnastics, as we took a wrong turning, but it did give us some fabulous views (see picture). We eventually found our way back to the A9 cycle path and were able to make better progress. It started raining and by the time we arrived at Inverness for lunch, we were soaked through. It took us some time to find the Bridge over the Moray Firth as we were following National Cycle route 1, which does virtually everything it can to avoid traffic, including sending us round in a circle at one point! Eventually we came to the bridge - the cycle path was right next to a 100 foot drop into the estuary - with a not-very-high fence keeping us from going over. I had to concentrate hard on not looking down and my hands were shaking - although not as big as the Severn Bridge or the Forth Road Bridge, for me it was the most scary!
From there we continued on, crossing Cromarty Firth and then climbing over the mountains once more to Bonar Bridge and then on to Lairg - our stop for the night.
It was dark, cold, and pouring with rain when we arrived so we dumped our bags and headed out for something to eat (pasta) and drink (McEwans 80/-). Having cycled over 80 miles with all our belongings in panniers we were absolutely exhausted.
We have just 2 days to go now. Tomorrow will be 55 miles taking us up to Strathy on the Northern Coast, and then Monday will be about 40 miles along the Northern Coast to John O'Groats! Many thanks to all those who are supporting us in your thoughts and prayers and in your messages of encouragement.
C
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