The longest planned day from Glentrium Castle to Kinross -144km and 1100m ascent, although there is a long downhill section.
They said it would rain but the day dawned dry if overcast.. a start. Watched red squirrels fight over the bird nuts over breakfast and then I was ready to depart. A second breakfast was promised at the Apriary Café in Dalwhinnie (thank you Mike and Nicola) set me up to battle the rain, which had arrived on the short ride to Dalwhinnie, as I paralleled the A9 for a good long stretch. This was a fast section and was pleasantly sheltered in many places so I made good time. Leaving the cycle path just before the awful shock of the House of Bruar – so many cars and people to avoid. Then it was lovely back roads into Pitlochry where Sue surprised me with an unexpected stop and hot chocolate and cake!
Another hour later and I arrived at Dunkeld for our planned lunch. That was 90-odd kilometres complete and then a ride to alon g both roads and the Tay-side NCR 775 to Perth and on to the Bridge of Earn and then a brutal climb up and over the hill to Milnathort and along the A91 to our overnight. A welcome relief at the end of a tough long day. Now to get dry!
