Laggan to Aviemore

     The morning started off with a rainbow and that was indicative of the entire day. Heading down the road the climbs began at once and wound through incredible views. Past farms and cottages we began rolling up into the high hills and territory of the Scottish Pines.

     Today we were given all the Scotland could offer a cyclist. Fine cycle paths, two track through deep wooded forests, wide paths through estates and national parks, past lochs, through streams and meadows, bogs and bridges, all hooked together by fabulous single track. Nothing too easy, nothing too hard, the technical riders loving it, the least experienced of the crew learning new skills and feeling their accomplishments.



     Blue skies intermingled with heavy clouds and the grey sheets of distant rain. But the weather held for us and was a cool treat, even at times having a wind at  our backs pushing us along.

      

      It was a picture perfect day, all and everyone enjoying themselves as we rolled through Newtonmore with their wildcat statues made to bring awareness to the preservation program of the Scottish Wildcat.

Susan rides past an old croft.

  
      The wind and the weather held as we moved deeper into the forest and then out onto heathered hills of Scotch Pine laden in single track. Riders raced down singletrack and through streams, up and over hills, past more ruins until passing out again to a route that took us past the Ruthven Barracks.

Ruthven Barracks

       Back into the forest until entering the estates and their manicured paths that surrounded Aviemore. Past castles in lakes and pools of lily pads, the last miles were easily laid until we crossed the last stone bridge and exited the path right into the Aviemore Hostel.

 

     Bunkbeds readied, the evening finished with a dinner of Indian food which filled up all the empty spots and a final pint or two at the Winking Owl.


( A few extra photos posted below.)

     

Scot's creek crossing technique.

Susan rides the roots.