The Way Matters !

We left Leverburgh early in dark threatening conditions with a ferry deadline in Tarbert (30kms distant) to be met.

Unfortunately it didn't take long before the skies opened up sending H scurrying for his bike bag covers and his back up neoprene diving suit - he knew that it was going to come in handy in Scotland!

Despite the gloomy wet weather  this was a stunning 30km cycle along a wild rocky coastal estuary populated with stunning white sand beaches.and exposed wind swept golf courses

I almost felt at peace in this remote and beautiful area until some clown sped past me in the opposite direction on a narrow road. My well mannered response had the guy fuming. As the driver started to reverse back up the hill to continue the confrontation I pedaled off at lightning speed hoping that he'd confuse the orange jacket I was wearing for Kev's red one !

We made the Tarbert - Uig ferry on time. H a little worse for wear slept most of the 90+ minutes over to the Isle of Skye while Pommie Kev, Julia and self took in some lunch time sustenance !

Disembarking at Uig on the Isle of Skye we collectively noticed the 1C temperature improvement - it was now almost a heatwave at 13C !

With a few different options to get to Portree, Aussie Kev and Julia shot off taking the direct 30km route on the main road taking coffee cake just 3kms down the road!

I though must have been on drugs as I instead listened to Pommie Kev and we were soon steeply climbing along the Northern coast admiring the stunning views of the wild looking landscape of Skye.

After an initial respite the climbing kicked back in again and again as we competed with the busy tourist traffic. Skye has a notorious reputation as being over touristed with b&b's often booked out  over 12 months in advance. But is does come with amazing scenery !

After 2h ours of solid cycling and a coke break, Pommie Kev and I got hit with a tough headwind that shadowed us all the way into Portree an additional 2 hours later !

With Henley on domestic duties (washing) and working out which side of the double bed he's sleeping on (yes !) and what nightie to wear, I headed down the local with Pommie Kev and Julia to celebrate our days ride and intro to teh beautiful Isle of Skye.

We have an 80km ride tomorrow and a lateish start to allow me to recover from the hard days ride and the shock of having to share a Double bed with Henley ! ps - I'm opting for the floor !