Day 1 Applecross - Sheildag - Pass Loop
So on the first day we set off in very wet and windy weather to circle the peninsula and finish with the pass. Despite the weather it was still enjoyable as the single-track road was well surfaced and had spectacular scenery. Some very testing climbs descents and bends made for a great cycle.
We even managed to snag a burger at the Sheildag gala day, an acheivement in itself as there are very few places to grab hot food in this part of the world.
The journey from Sheildag to the foot of the climb proved to be windy with a full force headwind which was to continue with a vengeance on the Bealach na Ba.
I managed to make it about two thirds up the climb before on the turn of a corner before the switchbacks a full force 40mph headwind made it impossible to cycle. Sadly a section had to be walked before I was able to get back on the pedals and take some pictures of Tony down the pass, before heading to the top.
The weather at the top was horrendous. It was blowing a gale, the rain was sore and I could only see 3ft in front of me. I waited for Tony at the top before we made the scariest decent ever to the campsite in the crosswinds and devoured some well earned pasta.
Day 2 Sheildag to Loch Maree (and back)
Day 2 yielded much better weather. The journey took us along Loch Torridon and then into the Glen of the same name before cycling to the top of Loch Maree. It was still fairly windy but cycling in sunshine and short sleeves was great. There were still some very challenging 15% climbs but it was a great 100km cycle and earned us (if we don't say so ourselves) the lobster, steak and chips at the Applecross Inn.
A superb weekend was had and I'll definitely be back to cycle that mountain pass again!
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