Day 12

Today was to be the day we met Nessie

We had to travel through the lochs and passing the Caledonian Canal that allows bikes to stop at swing bridges and yachts to go through. We both looked forward to meeting Nessie at Drumnadrochit (on Loch Ness) before the 1.5 mile 15% climb to Cannon Bridge

Setting off from Old Pines Hotel ( a must stop at for food and accommodation) we discovered that although the god of rain had gone to bed the god of head on winds had not and his brother the god of mossies had woken up.  The scenery was better than the mist of yesterday and you could see the lochs and hills. After 20 miles of water and greenery and wind it does get a bit boring and then you get really excited by the sign of Fort Augustus 'Welcome to Loch Ness'

Myself and Eddie spent the next 20 miles going up and down hills along Loch Ness looking for any lorry tyres that could resemble a prehistoric animal. At one stage we thought we saw him but it was only an upturned caravan.

Arriving at Drumnadrochits (the home of Nessie and the 15% hill) one thing on our mind was how we would get up this hill. The tortoise took the lead over the hare and decided 'why ruin a nice days walk cycling' so this was the plan; push the bikes for the next 20 mins. The hare followed the tortoise and after we got to the top of the hill we cycled the long way down to cannon Bridge, a great ride out.

In the cannon Bridge hotel the staff were great, Mr Mould greeted me in my room and I am sure he will be three for the next guest, but the best thing was meeting Bob the travelling service engineer for fuel pumps who can tell you about every site of a fuel pump in Scotland and if you meet him in Scunthorpe, I'm sure there too.

The disco downstairs has just finished and I think Sharon and Kevin have just got off with each other and are practicing trampolining in the room above me.

Here’s to an eventful day 13, hopefully not as bad as Sharon’s when she wakes up?

Chris