On yer bike!

Stevie Marzella and I were back on the bikes again for another Cal Mac tour of the Scottish Islands. Our journey started on Friday morning with a relaxing train ride to Fort William where the serious cycling started. The weather being as it was, sunscreen and shades were the order of the day. After all, it was Scotland in September, what else would you expect! We had a great bike ride through some stunning scenery. Once we passed Glenfinnan, and some welcome tea and buns, the going was somewhat tougher with a few testing climbs. Onwards to Mallaig for our 1st overnight stop. Our overnight accommodation was unfortunately located in the same venue as “Mallaig’s Got Talent” or not as the case might be. Sleep was limited to any time after midnight, so our departure on Saturday morning was somewhat lacklustre. Onto our 1st ferry of the weekend for the sail over the sea to Skye. Yes we all know the song! More sunscreen and shades. The journey up to Portree was again full of great scenery and provided a welcome stop for more tea and buns. After that on to Uig for our 2nd overnight stop at the youth hostel (yes the “youth” in youth hostel does extend to a wide age group) and hopefully a better night’s sleep. Sunday morning, yes more sunscreen and more shades, and another ferry this time to Lochmaddy on North Uist. The weather although warm, promised a south easterly 20mph wind. Not good went you are heading south and east. Some tough cycling for almost the whole day, but relatively flat. Lochboisdale was a welcome sight and the last overnight stop. Monday morning saw a distinct change in the weather for the worst, and with a 6 hour sail ahead, the full Scottish breakfast was not the best decision I made over the weekend. Onwards to Oban with a brief stop at Barra (land of my forefathers) a great end to our travels. A train ride back to Glasgow saw the end of a great weekend of cycling and sight-seeing. Looking back at the weather we had on our week up the West Highland way and last weekend’s sunshine, please let me know when you wish to holiday up north and I’ll provide the most appropriate dates.
Malcolm