After an unusually sociable breakfast, with cross table discussions from all parties, we set off in sunshine up Strath Vagastie. The wide glen containing another beautiful river rose for 10km on an easy gradient to The Crask. It wasn't long before the short, sharp showers started but shortly after the summit we arrived at the Crask Inn.
We shared the bar with three motor bikers, another cyclist and two resident Collies. This pub has legendary status but, owing to owner's illness is now up for sale, I hope it is lovingly taken on by someone. The motor cyclists were, on one day, retracing our route over the last couple of weeks so we advised them on good places to eat. Geoff, the cyclist, was on his last few days to John O' Groats. New to cycling at 60, he also had a Thorn bike and was in no hurry.
After soup and coffee, we began the luxurious 30+ kilometre decent to Lairg with the help of a gentle nudge from the wind. The brand new Pier Cafe in Lairg was an opportunity not to miss so tea and cake/ice cream with a warm log burner broke the journey.
A brief stop at the Falls of Shin and a view of Carbisdale once known as Castle of Spite and a very grand youth hostel until a few years ago.
We were upgraded from bunkhouse to proper room in the Invershin Hotel due to a group of LEJOG'ers arriving. The young couple in their 5th year of running the place seem to have it sorted. They kept a full hotel happy while juggling instructions to new staff, cooking and managing their two under 3 year olds.
Figures:
Distance:- 46.5 km
Cycle Time:- 3 hours 7 minutes
Average speed:- 14.9 kph
Total Distance:- 3061 km
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