This was the view from my tent as the sun finally set over the Orknays at nearly 10pm.
Then it got cold. The fancy new sleeping bag did not really cut it, and I ended up wearing pretty much all my clothes as well. It might be the end of May but it is still very cold up here, about 3 degrees last night.
Anyway I survived and after a coffee set off from the excellent campsite. There was quite a lot of road to cover before reaching the forest trails.
Perhaps not the most inspiring views, but the gentle climbs and long glides made easy miles. Until the wretched headwinds reappeared, in defiance of the forecasts. I wasn't imagining it, the wind farms agreed.
At Watten I had lunch 1 overlooking a handsome loch, then found the shop was open and bought some breakfast pies.
They looked like quiches with black pudding on, but turned out to have baked beans, bacon and sausages in too. Must be a Scottish thing.
At long last I reached the trail head and turned onto the excellent forest roads.
One thing I am still working on is cycling more slowly - as soon as my mind wanders I seem to speed up again. I'd also like to stop thinking about how far I have gone, how far is left and how long it will take, and reach a zen like state of just pottering ever onward.
I must have got close, because I found myself at Altnabreac Station way before I expected. There's not a lot of facilities...
And if you miss the last train (which is also the first train) you see this:
Whoever lives in the station now has a sense of humour though:
After a few more miles of track through the rather barren and featureless Forsinard nature reserve, I came across a spot so pretty I just had to stop and set up camp.
It will be a big day tomorrow, so time for an early night.
Miles today: 41. Total so far: 70.
Feet climbed today: 2020. Total so far: 3510.
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