We were pleasantly surprised this morning when we woke to a fine, sunny morning, albeit very windy. The forecast was for heavy rain and thus our change of plan to ride to Leverburgh yesterday (in the pouring rain). However, it was worth it since we were in a very warm, welcoming guest house (Caberfeid House) and our clothes were dried out ready for today. Ferry at 11.40 for Berneray then cycle onto North Uist accompanied with a 20mph Easterly wind. Fun, or what. Bill has calculated the angle of lean to be 4 3/4 degrees to the left. As we cycled to the ferry in Leverburgh I did not turn a pedal for 12 ml to the quay and went at a steady 13mph. The wind was bitterly cold and I watched the ferry weave around ... read more

The wind The wind. I think I have said this before, but I do not think I have ever had a day where we have been almost driven to a standstill. Our departure was one mile of 1 in 6 out on to the main road and then a very blustery ride up into Lewis. Who told me Lewis was flat? As you ride North into Lewis from Harris the terrain is much the same with big longish hills which need plenty of gears. Further North the land is more open but is still very undulating across peat bogs, where peat is still being dug, and open moorland. There are very few trees so the wind is very strong and unrelenting. About 6 miles from Stornoway we turned West and we were confronted with about 9 ... read more

Well! what have we got here? Woke up to horrendous wind in the early hours and then rain beating on the windows. We got all our waterproofs out and packed our bags with a multitude of plastic bags to keep out the water - if that is going to be possible. Bill found out a bus timetable during breakfast and the plan is to see if the local bus will take us and our bikes straight to Portree. The day is due to worsen with 60mph wind gusts - just what we need on a bike. I think I will get my book out. Sitting it out in the Millbrae Guesthouse and having my second cup of coffee with the very interesting proprietor Philip until the bus at 11.45 was a good option. We eventually gingerly ... read more

Day 14 Had a good breakfast in Arisaig under a cloudy sky debating the conflicting weather reports. After photographing the memorial to the OSE, and the participants from the Czech republic, in the bay we set off into strong North wind of 20mph making slow progress, especially on the short steep hills. Hugging the coastline we were gratified to be able to see the beautiful sandy beaches and rugged rock outcrops, reminiscent of Corwall. We passed the golf course at Traigh and were surprised the golf balls would not stay airborne and end up in outer space the wind was so strong. We went to view the deepest fresh water lake in the UK at Loch Morar and also the water turbine generator. At this point I lost Bill as I took a photograph of the ... read more

Wednesday. Today was warmer than we have been used to so far and we dropped into Oban for our ferry to Kerrera manned by a very lean gent who we found is a keen runner and has even run in Borneo. Being a kind man he charged us half fare, which meant we could give another £5 to Cancer Research making the total so far in cash gifts from people we met on the way to £110. Kerrera was very nice and we cycled on the unmade roads for a third of he way round he island until we came to a nice cottage selling coffee and scones which Bill could not resist so we had to stop. From Kerrera there are some very nice views back into Oban and also out to sea which ... read more