GB Divide(north-south) - part 2

Описание: GBdivide days 6-9.

No reception last night so a late daily update.

The campsite at Contin was small and basic but was luxury for us. I didn’t sleep that well so felt a bit tired today. Popped to the stores for some snacks and set off up main road for a few miles. Turning right the landscape is very good farmland. We were climbing up to Fairburn house though riding along tree lines, dead straight lanes. Still not sure exactly what they do there but probably an activity centre for either kids or very old people.

We decided that we wouldn’t be saying hello to either Cuckoos or flat earthers this trip.

Next up was the really long climb up to Orrin Dam. Met a few bikepackers all going the other way. Got talking to one guy and he recognised me from my YouTube videos which was unexpected. We usually stop and talk to other bikepackers and it’s good to swap information about routes and bothies for example.

From the dam we continued climbing up over the moorland which has big water pipes coming the other way down to the dam. It’s an enjoyable section though and takes you to a high point from where you have a rough and loose descent into a fantastic valley with good trails that take you past Lochan Fada. The green colours in this valley were so vibrant.

Once back in the valley bottom we followed the river up Syrah Glass all the way to Cannich. We started our recent HT550 ride from here and it’s a great place to get some food and supplies. Had our meal upstairs on an old double decker bus!

Leaving Cannich we rode through some amazing forests and an old village with beautiful houses. Soon we were at the foot of the big climb to end the day. Climbing first through mixed forest, then pine and then opening up on to barren moorland. Up we climbed until we got to a funky campsite on a narrow hillock high up in Guisachan Forest. Stunning views over Glen Affrick, sunlight over mountains receding into the distance reflecting off the lingering snow fields on the upper slopes of Carn Eighe.

Another 40+ mile day so happy with that. Fort Augustus for lunch tomorrow. 😀


GBdivide day 7

Had a good nights sleep and woke to a stiff breeze which meant no midges. Dry tent too which is always good.

Quite a bit of climbing today and it was uphill straight away. But also
a long descent where we saw two hares which reciprocated race us down the trail. Then it was a big climb out of Glen Moriston up through Inverwick forest and down to Fort Augustus. Had lunch there and bought a few supplies. It was super busy and a bit of a culture shock after being out in the mountains for a week.

Leaving Fort Augustus we faced the infamous Corrieyairack Pass. It’s the highest elevation of the whole trip and can be a bit nasty if the weather changes for the worst. Last time I rode here my rear hub died and I had to get a new wheel. The weather was quite nice as we started climbing but about half way up it started raining and the wind picked up. By the time we got to the top it was blowing a gale, raining, thick mist and freezing. Sheltered in the concrete box on the top and then had a cold descent down through the switchbacks. It warned up as we descended but still wet. There’s a bothy at the bottom of the pass and I was freezing by the time we got there. Decided to stay there for the night and could see that someone was already there as the fire was raging. Turned out to be a group of four guys from Edinburgh and they were great fun to hang out with. Very generous as they shared wine and whisky with us and it turned into a classic bothy night.

Hoping the weather improves tomorrow. 😀


GBdivide day 8

Had a fantastic evening in the bothy with Matthew, Duncan, Ian and David. Thanks for sharing and it was bloody great fun.

We left the bothy in the dry but it quickly turned to rain showers. Bit of a jacket on, jacket off kind of day.

Loch Lagan is a great spot. There’s a large beach at the end of the loch which is cool. Had a snack sat on the sand. Moved on around the side of the loch, riding through lush woods. It’s beautiful.

Leaving the loch we start to climb for a while. First forest, then up over the moorland and into Glen Ossian. Ossian is also lovely with its islands densely packed with trees.

Unfortunately by mid afternoon it rained hard and for the rest of the day. We got soaked again just at the end of the day. It’s really annoying.

We are sleeping in a tool shed at Loch Ossian hostel. Actually slept in it before on another trip with Matt. Ate at Courror station though and dryed out a bit. Nice food in there.

Off to the shed then……. 😬

GBdivide day 9.

A sad update today. As you are probably aware, Matt has had a flare up of an existing back problem this trip. He’s been battling it for a few days and today it got to the point where he decided that he can’t go on.

So, a sad end to our adventure but we’ll be back to complete the journey at some point when Matt is all healed up