Mallaig - Phew!

Found B&B and got in at 1705 after a very hard but beautiful day's riding. Scenery was terrific and most roads very quiet (see photo). Loads of hills though which were very taxing. Sunny most of day but rained for last 5 miles but threw it down just after we arrived.
After one long climb there was a terrific descent and we both did just under 50mph! Fastest I've ever been on a solo bike! Average for the day as a whole was around 12mph though.
Landlord falls over himself to be helpful and the beds were deep in tourist information! Had to clear it to sit down!
I did write more here but then managed to delete it so you'll have to imagine the rest! Mainly to say I am somewhat anxious about tomorrow. 86 miles to Dingwall and rain forecast. Could be a tall order.
Thanks for messages incidentally. They are nice to receive and know someone is out there reading all this stuff!

Ferry from Mull

Now on second ferry of morning from Tobermory to Lochaline after 5 easy miles on Mull. About 70 more to go to Mallaig today. Scenery fantastic. Weather looks a bit shaky but hey! View is back towards Oban on Mull Ferry

Early in Oban

Mull Ferry. 0700hrs. Chris not at his best this early. Neither am I! More later en route hopefully.

Monday evening in Oban

Well folks we've arrived at Oban after a pretty good day. A shade under 80 miles with one ferry crossing from Arran to Cloanaig. Check the map to see route from Tarbert to Oban and you will see we were by sea on right, then left, most of the way. Lovely scenery even if cloudy. All went well until about 10 miles from Oban when the heavens opened and it poured for about an hour. I stopped and sheltered under a tree but after a while it's as wet there as outside so I carried on Eventually it stopped but I arrived very damp! Quite nice now so having a beer outside hotel on harbour front. Meeting teacher of the deaf friend from Worcester (Brian Perry) this evening. He's on holiday here! Small world. Rest day was effective and I would like to return to Arran another time for longer. Early start tomorrow. Have to be at quayside for Mull Ferry at 0710. I think we'll have breakfast on board! Pleased to learn that my brother Rob will be staying in same B&B as us on Thursday in Tongue then following us (carrying luggage!) to John O Groats on Friday. also meeting friends of Chris on Wednesday. Turning out to be quite a social trip! All the better for that!

Guess where or what on day off?

Answer in the next blog.

Steamy surprise

Spent the morning on walk to and tour of Brodick Castle but delighted to find that the steam driven Paddle Steamer 'Waverley' was doing an afternoon cruise round Holy Island. Too good to miss and Chris and I have spent half the cruise watching the engines. Beautiful machines and the ship creams along very smoothly. A nice little steam 'fix' for the day off. Weather rather dull today but dry until now.
Back to normal tomorrow with early start to get first ferry from Lochranza 16 miles away. Some long days ahead do hoping rest will be a good preparation.
The photo is over the stern. Note twin wakes from the paddles and Ailsa Craig below the ensign.

The Arran Ferry

Well the first hour riding was basically in cloud so misty and damp. Not much fun. But then it dried up and we were making good progress so spirits lifted. Overtook some other LEJOGGERS en route but also heading for Arran ferry. After one cafe stop we got to Ardrossan in very good time for the 3.15 ferry. On board now and the weather is lovely. Sunny and clear now so the islands look beautiful all laid out around us. I've never been to Arran before. It looks massive from here! Hope the weather stays like this for a few days. That's a big ask I think! Fo now we are going to enjoy the 50 minute crossing and a welcome rest day tomorrow.
Not sure if the photos will attach but having a go. One on board the other on the seafront at Brodick (and not all the cloud came from the ship's funnel!). The B&B is excellent and the weather perfect so definitely a good start to our mini 'holiday'.