Day 1

Day 1 completed - We're at Altnaharra

The day started with the first mechanical failure - Ish managed to pull the valve off his inner tube before he'd even sat on the saddle ! Wheel out - new inner tube in & a successful inflation (Ish hadn't blown up a bike tyre before). But a late start as a result.

Despite a beautiful sunset last night over John O'Groats we woke to a force 6 gale & driving rain, (Nice !). Its been the hardest day's cycling we've ever done - whatever direction we went the wind & rain were always against us. 75 miles done but not finished till 7.00pm. First signs of a sore cheeks due to wet shorts. We travelled west for 40 miles (even though Lands End is reputedley South). Then 35 mile South (Ish). Once we'd left the coast and views of Orkney shroaded in black clouds we entered a fine Scottish valley with Loch & salmon river. The wind eased for 30mins and the world seemed great. It returned for our last 10 miles which seemed to take forever.

B&B fantastic - clothes washed, we've been fed (over fed) and beer supplied by our hosts Mr & Mrs Smith. (Mandy & Lindsay). Midges are out in force but luckily we're in. A bit more route planning before another beer & bed