The Harris Alps
Less pressure today as no ferrys to catch and after yet another whisky night some of us were slightly slower to emerge from our slumber. However after a later breakfast we were ready to hit the road at around 09:30.....there was a big climb near the start today and it was decided that some Ti chi streching would be a good idea. This was performed in Tarbert main street and we were ready to go by 9:40. The weather was good and soon we were at the bottom of the toughest climb we would encounter on the Hebway. From sea level to the bealach is only around 180 meters but it is steep. For me the previous nights over indulgence felt like it may become an issue, however the sleeves were rolled up the gears were ratcheted down and the toil began. To be honest it wasn't as bad as we had thought and soon we were all getting our breathe back in a layby near at the top. Some managed to pedal the full hill and others had a wee push at some stage. After a few more ups and downs, we were round Clisham, the highest mountain on the Hebrides and the main descent back to sea level ensued, pedalling was definitely not required. Kenny, set off at rocket speed and totally disregarded the road repairs that were in progress, he rocketed over the ramps with careless abandon and swung out onto the other side of the road to keep maximum speed around the bends, those of us following were at time extremely concerns for his safety. It was definitely an exilerating descent.
The miles that followed were lovely flowing and easy. The sun was out and the views were stunning, the only danger came from a couple of motor bikers who rocketed by leaving us less room than we would have liked....a scary moment!! We spotted a golden eagle soaring by and also an as yet unidentified large raptor. I only managed a poor long distance photo so more work is required to identify. We stopped at a viewpoint for an early lunch, unfortunately the food van at this location was closed as was everything was closed as it was the Sabbath, we had this covered however and had bought supplies in Tarbert so our hunger was quelled.
The sun continued to shine and 6 happy cyclists soon rolled into Callanish, we were all hungry and the open Alpacaccino cafe was a welcome sight, our first Hebridean scone did not disappoint. Some amusement ensued when the resident male peakock took a shine the Guys new green panniers.
Our accomodation for the night the Callanish camping pods were close by and soon Gary was on the phone to the owner and 15 minutes later we had the keys. Gary, as if he hadn't done enough got to work on the owner and soon had a lift to and from Doune Brae's hotel sorted. We arrived at 6.30 just in time for last food orders and provided the very quiet hotel some welcome business, the food was good, the hosts were very friendly and made us feel very welcome. The owner of the camping pods came back to pick us all up again at 9pm and we secured some beers to take away. We have been pretty blown away by the hospitality, friendliness and helpfulness of the local people they could not have been more helpful.
We are currently holed up in Kenny and Guys pod, 6 happy holidaymakers with a few beers to enjoy, what more could we ask for. It will be an earlier bed tonight as we have no whisky this evening, finally sensibility has arrived.
The miles that followed were lovely flowing and easy. The sun was out and the views were stunning, the only danger came from a couple of motor bikers who rocketed by leaving us less room than we would have liked....a scary moment!! We spotted a golden eagle soaring by and also an as yet unidentified large raptor. I only managed a poor long distance photo so more work is required to identify. We stopped at a viewpoint for an early lunch, unfortunately the food van at this location was closed as was everything was closed as it was the Sabbath, we had this covered however and had bought supplies in Tarbert so our hunger was quelled.
The sun continued to shine and 6 happy cyclists soon rolled into Callanish, we were all hungry and the open Alpacaccino cafe was a welcome sight, our first Hebridean scone did not disappoint. Some amusement ensued when the resident male peakock took a shine the Guys new green panniers.
Our accomodation for the night the Callanish camping pods were close by and soon Gary was on the phone to the owner and 15 minutes later we had the keys. Gary, as if he hadn't done enough got to work on the owner and soon had a lift to and from Doune Brae's hotel sorted. We arrived at 6.30 just in time for last food orders and provided the very quiet hotel some welcome business, the food was good, the hosts were very friendly and made us feel very welcome. The owner of the camping pods came back to pick us all up again at 9pm and we secured some beers to take away. We have been pretty blown away by the hospitality, friendliness and helpfulness of the local people they could not have been more helpful.
We are currently holed up in Kenny and Guys pod, 6 happy holidaymakers with a few beers to enjoy, what more could we ask for. It will be an earlier bed tonight as we have no whisky this evening, finally sensibility has arrived.
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