Sunshine

Awoken by the inviting sounds of the loch right outside our tent we stripped down and jumped straight in. The water was freezing, but the sun was already hot and once we were out we quickly warmed up. Over breakfast we looked at the map to try and plan a vague route of our cycle. After a slowish start we got on the road for mid morning, we decided to go round the loch and extend it slightly further to make it about a 30 mile loop. The road around the loch was a perfectly smooth undulating track, and once we were on the north side we got a full view of Schiehallion and it’s intimidating conic shape as it loomed over us from afar. After about 15miles we pulled over to make the most of a pebble beach and have a snack and sunbathe, the sun was now out in full force and cooking us alive. I could’ve laid there forever taking in the views and basking in the sun, but after a sugar boost and a wee rest we got back on our way. The rest of the ride was great, we extended it slightly to include some steep climbs to test ourselves (and the bikes) and powered the section back. Arriving back at the tent sweaty and hot, we wasted no time and got straight back in the loch again. This time we sat on the rocks and let sun dry us off, in no rush to leave - savouring every moment. Everything went well and (not including our break) we finished in good time, we decided that we deserved a pub lunch as a treat. We shared a garlic mushrooms starters, then I had fish JD had veggie burger then we shared a sticky toffee pudding, all washed down with a pint of Guinness.

First proper day out on the bikes and we loved it. The first of many days hopefully, and a much needed break. We returned to Edinburgh late in the evening, both VERY red and sunburnt, but very happy. Another brilliant trip, can’t wait for the next one.