Trip to Inverness from East Daviot

Highland Bikes in Inverness looked very professional but they had a stack of bikes to mend and warned that it could take 10 days to clear the backlog. They wanted £45 per day for hire of a bike but that would have been silly. A server of my coffee suggested buying a reconditioned bike from New Start Highland nearby then giving it back. We came to a deal of £40 to buy the bike (that was to take me hundreds of miles) on the understanding that I will donate it to them when I get my own bike back.

To reach Highland Bikes on Shore Street, Inverness, I had pushed and freewheeled the bike the 11 miles (fortunately with lots more descent than ascent). The 18 gears on my temporary bike got me to my cousin’s house and we had a good blether mainly about relatives in common. I had to make sure that her gingerbread is as good as ever. She is doing lots to help dementia sufferers.

There are no shops, cafes, restaurants or pubs near the campsite, and The Battlefield Bar and Restaurant served an excellent main course after success with an ample and tasty soup. This gave me strength for the steep ascents during the remaining 10 km to the campsite.

Tour continuation in the balance now. If the bike takes ages to fix I will leave out Skye this lap. There is always Lap 4 ahead!