Monday, 15 August 2016

Day 1 Edinburgh to Inverness then onto Muir of Ord

It was sunny and warm as we loaded my bike (named 'Boardy' as he's a Chris Boardman Bike) on the back of the car in Peebles and headed up to Edinburgh to catch the train to Inverness.  The train wasn't till 10:30 am, so I had time to have breakfast at Peters Yard on the Meadows in Edinburgh with Gillian.  As I sat there watching the commuters heading to work I managed to bump into a few friends, who popped over to say hello and wish me well.

The start of the road on the Meadows.
It was time to head down to the station to get the train to Inverness.  I had booked my bike onto the train which is something you need to do on certain routes on Scot Rail.

I got the bike and all my kit safely stowed aboard, and then had a pleasant journey on the train up to Inverness, enjoying the Scottish countryside.

Forth Road Bridge and the new Queensferry crossing bridge over the Firth of Forth.
I arrived in Inverness around 2 pm.  It was warm and sunny and the highland capital was bustling with tourists.  I did hang around to long, I was eager to get the journey underway, so I took a few snaps before jumping on my bike and heading out on the sort ride to my first destination Muir of Ord.
Boardy loaded and ready to go

Inverness Selfie !!!

River Ness and Inverness Castle

I had a pleasant ride from along the south bank of the Beauly Firth to Beauly.  I had a short rest there before heading onto my first stop over for the night at Muir of Ord.

Caledonian canal, Inverness

Beauly Firth.
My first stop over was with my friends Mike and Val Gage, who live in a beautiful house in the hills above Muir of Ord.  They were there ready to welcome me will a beer which was welcome as it was a hot day and a big hill climb up to their house !!!

In the evening we went out for a lovely meal at the Lovatt Arms in Beauly, before a nice drive around the hills (showing me their favourite running routes) before heading back to theirs to watch the Olympic cycling action in the evening.

Mike, Val and Boardy

Looking out over the Beauly Firth

Click link below for map of route:
Inverness to Muir of Ord



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