Endurance Test

After yesterday's challenges, we found our legs were still tired and lacking energy. In addition Graham wasn't feeling too good with a headache and no appetite. While William tucked into his breakfast, Graham set about force-feeding himself to ensure he had enough calories to keep going. We set off along the edge of Loch Ness in pleasant sunshine and after the first 10 miles Graham began to feel more normal again. A shock was in store for both us when after 20 miles we met the first major hill of the day: an average 15% gradient over 0.75 miles - a real killer! As compensation this was followed by 9 miles of downhill.
This formed the pattern of the day, slogging slowly up hills and then coasting down to recover. Heavy showers soaked us for most of the afternoon. We paced ourselves carefully so we could keep going to cover the 99+ miles required of us. The A836 that led us to our destination at Altnaharra turned into a single track road with passing places for some 20 miles. There was little traffic apart from the sheep and lambs that kept rushing across the road so you had to keep your wits about you. Altnaharra itself is in a most scenic location with stunning views from The B&B where our hosts made us extemely welcome - recommended if you are ever in this part of the world.