Kilmelford to Kilchoan

The 6:15 start entailed packing the frozen outer of the tent but the deep blue sky and the relief of mountains being accentuated by shadows compensated for any discomfort. At this time on a Sunday traffic was very light for the ride to Oban, enabling more relaxed ascents of tough winding slopes.

The crossing to Mull used a ferry on loan from Arran, and I was recognised and spoken to by a crew member. Breakfast was on offer, but as the first in the queue I expressed disappointment that they had run out of porridge oats.

Much of the ride from the port of Craignure to Tobermory in the north of Mull was in the cold against the wind and rain. Several miles of this main road are so narrow that passing places are required! The strength of the wind for the crossing to the mainland at Kilchoan was demonstrated by "white horses".

The remaining cycling for the day was only a couple of miles to this campsite. From here in my tent I hear the waves landing on the shore. The neighbouring tent belongs to another bikepacker. (In Kilmelford last night my neighbour from The Netherlands had extolled the benefits of his one-wheel trailer).

This was an easier day covering 40 miles with 2300 feet of ascent and a greatest altitude of 480 feet achieved both leaving Kilmelford and approaching Tobermory. All this was at the expense of 980 active calories based on heart rate measurements from my chest strap monitor.