As the low pressure moves east we start to get colder north winds but they are light, dry and we are heading south to Braemore junction so that is OK.
We were slightly relieved to discover we had booked a breakfast as we had under catered on food stocks. With rumours of no food shop or cafe until Ullapool, this would mean a day and one night with little more than some cheese and oatcakes- more on this later.
There were hundreds of goats by the road this morning, munching at the verges and perched on walls. They have a roguish air to them compared to the obedience and predictability of sheep but gave us a similar chorus of bleeting as we passed by.
With one steady but big climb and a short distance to travel we were in no hurry so enjoyed the emerging view of An Tealach who was now clear on the summit with remnants of winter still on it's northern slopes.
We reached the watershed after about 16km of climbing and had great views south to the Fannich Forest and beyond.
The decent was an eyeball freezing experience and, with thoughts about a meagre biscuit lunch with a flask of tea that tasted of fairy liquid were my spirits were not high. This was short-lived, however, as I turned the corner to the car park for Corrieshalloch Gorge and water falls there was a white trailer and the friendly smile of Brian and Linda serving venison burgers and tea! Sue followed shortly with equal glee and we embarked on a food shopping frenzy. The Munch Box not only provided us with a great lunch but the young couple from Ullapool were kind enough to make up a meal pack that we could cook in the evening.
It is rather sad that they have to pay £90 per week to National Trust for Scotland to provide food at this popular visitor attraction and annoying to see coach parties arrive and not even purchase a cup of tea.- A job for Sue on Trip Advisor I think!
We arrived at Forest Way bunkhouse and cooked our meal before the arrival of a nice German couple called Kathryn and Hans who were also cycling but heading south.
There is an excellent art and craft gallery a few buildings away from the bunkhouse, we particularly liked the work of Gairloch-based artist Lynn Bennett-Mackenzie.
http://lynnbmack.co.uk
Figures:
Distance:- 30.0 km
Cycle Time:- 2 hours 8 minutes
Average speed:- 14.1 kph
Total Distance:- 2520 km
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