A few pics from the Scotland trip that myself , George & Martyn did a couple of weeks ago

Ready for the off out side the Plockton Hotel. Where was it we were heading ? Pluto ! well at least thats what the local who walked past and took the picture for us thought so he said.

(Outside the Plockton Hotel)

Taking a rest in the wilds of Torridon - what was it George said, his best ever walk in Scotland, just wishes he hadn't brought the bike lol

(Crossing Applecross)

The view accross Loch Clair ! from the Torridon to Kinlochewe road having just finished the very hard route through the Torridon Mountains. Beautiful beautiful scenery and the weather wasn't too bad for late Novemeber, just a shame the hotel where we were planning on staying at Kinlochewe was shut for the winter.

(Loch Claire)

However, after a couple of frantic phone calls made by Martyn we had ourselves booked into a bunkhouse 10 miles up the road in Achnesheen. So a night ride ensued to a uncertain location but once again luck was on our side - although it was a bunkhouse it was attached to a hotel which had a bar with real ale, pub food and a dining room like this.

(Achnasheen Hotel)

Now thinking of the start of the trip, we got the sleeper up to Inverness then the train out to Kyle of Lochalsh and finished that day with a 6 mile road ride to stay at Plockton where we got a room in the hotel for £40 each Dinner Bed and Breakfast.

(Martyn heading into the Torridon Mountains)

A short walk up the road to the Plockton Inn and we had a choice of 3 real ales, darts, pool and live music in a pleasantly busy bar - wonderful.

(George about to tackle the Bealach Na Ba)

Next day we cycled to Applecross, this was about 40 miles all on the road and included going over the Belach Na Ba, the highest road in the Uk. This I can assure you wasn't easy in the damp overcast weather and once up to about 1,000 feet you could barely see 20 yards ahead and snow covered the ground.

Still, we made it up and then down the other side in one piece and settled in to the Applecross Inn where we managed to get seats right next to perhaps the hottest open fire I have ever had the pleasure to be in front off.

(Horns of Alligin)
 

The following day was the off road route as pictured below then tarmac to the Torridon Inn, wonderful scenery, great riding, improving weather and another top pub with plenty more real ales, pub grub not to mention another chance to play pool and darts.

(Beinn Eighe)
 

The following day we ended up in Achnesheen as mentioned above then last but not least a road ride to Strathpeffer with a quick look at the start of the Strathpuffer course that brought back some memories for George and myself. Another nice hotel for the night at the extortionate price of £55 including breakfast for the 3 of us so that about £18 each - bargain.

Finally a short ride to Dingwall and train back to Inverness before once again heading home on the overnight sleeper - great trip all round, roll on 2014.
 

This is me crossing Applecross heading from the Applecross Inn to Kenmore