Invernahaven to Killin

The day started badly with managing to break my spectacles while arranging gear in my tent for packing. Cycling at first with only one lens was OK while sun protection was not required. Later my old reserve pair (also with photochromic lenses) that had been in a pannier for years were used. At first they gave a feeling of being much higher on the bike. Later when the bent frame was straightened they were fine.

The 7 am start gave hours of a suitable temperature with mist on the mountains enhancing the views. Later, when it became very hot, the stretches shaded by trees were pleasurable. Early in the day it was so still that midges were a problem but in the late afternoon the wind picked up to be welcome for cooling and at the end of the ride on high ground the headwind was troublesome.

Today’s route, mainly following Sustrans 7 until Kenmore then taking the road north of Loch Tay was a definite improvement on decisions taken during Lap 3. A couple at the Mill Cafe in Blair Atholl told me about a little-known, shaded route towards Pitlochry on the south side of the River Garry. This made a pleasant change.

The Mill Cafe was new to me but it will be a regular. Bread from the milled grain is used in their meals. The coffee and soup were excellent. Food can be eaten outside, with a pleasant garden available. At the Dochart Falls Inn their own malt tasted as good the second time. This time a meal was also tried and was excellent.

A campsite a few miles from Killin had room for a small tent but they were going to charge an unreasonable amount so my experience of wild camping in Killin is valuable. There is just time now to get to the supermarket.

Stats for the day were 77 miles with 3300 feet of ascent and 1500 active calories.