Dunbeath to Rosemarkie (Black Isle)

21 July 2012 71 miles


Mixed overcast, sunny spells, occasional shower, light to modest side to headwinds...


Started off with a lovely breakfast from Mary McDonald.


Hill sheep, just about to go to the show. 

Left Dunbeath 7:40am heading south along the coast road, with some spectacular sweeping views along the way.  A big sweeping descent from Ousdale to pretty Helmsdale.   Fran established her leadership this morning, grinding out an awesome pace out front.  "She's a human machine".

6 miles or so later, we hit the Berridale Brae, a long 13% decent and the same back out again for what felt like a mile.  Dave by now realised he is overloaded with too much stuff and arrived at the "summit" owing quite a bit to the swear jar.  

We followed the railway line along the coast towards Brora where we stopped for coffee and pastries.

The next bit was marvellous onto Dunrobin Castle and Golspie.  Dunrobin (not robe-in, robin as in red breast) was spectacular, beautiful, and had lovely loos.


Castle in the distance

Dornoch and a picnic in the cathedral, then across the Dornoch Firth bridge to Tain to see Paul's Aunty Jane and Chris for tea and delicious cakes.


This one's for Mandy: Soreen!

Jane and Chris

Next stop Nigg to the ferry across the Cromarty Firth - we met Malcolm from Melbourne, Rosie and their dog Maddy - thanks for the donation!  

 Jan remembered the Cromarty discos as a kid and the "typewriter games" played with the boys on that football pitch... The final climb out of Cromarty was a pain - Dave didn't like it, the weight on the bike was playing with his mind.  Charlie's chat helped enormously though!  A teary Fran spotted her friends Helen, Phil, Jane and Arlene just 2 miles from the finish as a welcoming party and we chatted and chatted... and chatted ...in the cool air before the final long drop into Rosemarkie at Jan's friends and bridesmaid and Fran's Alan's best man, Shona and Graeme's new house.  This is at the top of a STEEP climb above town with an awesome view that went on and on into the evening.  Thanks for building so high up the hill!!! A fruit punch and a beer, a shower and a wonderful feast followed before bedtime.  Great hosts!!  Welcome any time at our houses!

Still light at 10pm 

We all loved the marvellous scenery, the weather, the food (it's all about the food), the wonderful welcomes, and Paul's explanation of cycling etiquette (only 12 inches should separate him from the girls, apparently).  AND he complemented us "we are almost cycling now" and that we were riding as a good team (there's no 'I' in team, but there is 'me'..) which made it an enjoyable day.