Day 8 Summary

Only a short message as internet signal is not reliable..

Aviemore to Tongue today  - 122 miles and around 5000ft of climbing.  Fantastic day - scenery superb and views as we arrived in Tongue out of this world. 

Barry went solo today - effectively time trialing the 90 miles from Inverness to Tongue.  He picked up a police escort for part of the way after the Kessock Bridge as he was creating a traffic queue whilst shooting up the dual carriageway. The rest of us took it steady and enjoyed the views . 

Highlights of the day:

• The log house near Inverness
• View of the Cromarty Firth from the road above Alness
• Soup and fire at the Bridge Hotel, Bonar Bridge
• The road from Lairg to Tongue
• The rainbow over Ben Kibreck
• The deer standing watching us at the side of the road
• The view over Tongue as we dropped to the hotel
• The sunset over Tongue

The downside;

• Inconsiderate drivers on the Lairg to Tongue Road

I also need to mention that John had a meditation moment at the end of the day watching the sunset over Ben Loyal.

This was the last full day of cycling before John o'Groats  - only 65 miles tomorrow so an early afternoon finish.  Watch the blog for details.

Route details and stats here.