Friday 07.09.2018

Foyers - Neptune’s Staircase

I was feeling somewhat trepidious about the climb this morning although Al had assured me that it was only 1000 feet and not metres! What was really unnecessary was the gravelly downhill followed by a steep uphill just to reach the road. It was quite a demanding climb with lots of false summits with a number of pushy bits (if we feel like crying on a steep bit that is the signal for a push). This was part of the Great Glen way and downhill into Fort Augustus was quick! Last time we were here was when we took Ynys Hwyl through the canal to Inverness and it had been heaving with folk that time as well.

The climb had taken quite a time and as accommodation was becoming increasingly difficult to find. All that was available was a further 58 kms but beggars can't be choosers. Off to go along the canal path with views of the mountains that had been obscured on our last visit. This flatness could not last and it didn’t. Off went the path up through the forestry on a track sure to loosen all your fillings. After 60 kms of pedalling we returned to the canal path and, would you believe it, a nostril wind arrived just to ensure we didn’t become too comfortable.

We did arrive before dark and the bikes were allotted their own bar! We had a super room overlooking the lock. (More expense but, by pushing on, we had reduced our ride by one day and thus another bed)

We hope to be back in Oban by tomorrow. Legs and lungs are looking forward to a rest.