Not the one where the Campbells abused the McDonalds hospitality by kicking ‘ten bells’ out of them – no this was the massacre of the climb through the pass of Glencoe by yours truly! What a difference a whinge and a few ibuprofen make! The first dozen or so miles along the loch were pretty flat and we whizzed along at 20-25ks. A brief stop at Corran to look at the ferry and check for sea duck  (none were found), and then on to the Glencoe cafe for coffee and cake. Although the climb begins at this point , we made things harder by going on the old road to the Clachaig Inn, where it joins the main road – several steep sections, but very scenic all the same. Once on the main road it’s a relentless drag for around 10ks to the summit on Rannoch Moor at 1142ft, in the shadow of Buchaille Etive Mor. By this time we were on fire – and not just because of the sunshine! We surged on, declining a lunch stop at the Kings House, until we reached the view point above LochTulla and a strategically located burger van. By this time we were ahead of schedule which allowed for a spot of sun bathing – Twitter followers, you can still cast your vote! A fast down hill section to the Bridge of Orchy , followed by another relentless climb – this time with a moderate head wind, to Tyndrum and a much deserved cuppa. Suitably refreshed it was then a matter of only a few miles to tonights destination of Crianlarich and the delightfully quaint Glenbruar House B&B. Just washed out our ‘smalls’ and are settling down to a post-ride analysis with a glass of William Wallace in our hand. A fitting motif for our day of the massacre of Glencoe.

Todays route:

Bry approaching the Ballachulish bridge, heading for Glencoe

View from the hotel at Ballachulish, looking across Loch Linnhe towards Ardgour

Coffee stop at the very excellent Glencoe cafe – don’t be fooled by the ‘pre-cast garage’ appearance or the ancient sign

…the Massacre of Glencoe.  Bry approaching the two-thirds point

For those of you who haven’t spotted it, Bryan is carrying a portable solar panel to charge our various electrical appliances and thereby reducing our carbon footprint. Well that’s what he says – personally I think he’s got it rigged up to some sort of motor!

The summit of Glencoe – the massacre complete!

On the birding front – complete pants! Only one species added, a Wood Warbler, singing in ‘hanging’ birch woods alongside Loch Linnhe.

Just off to the pub for a well-earned ‘barbarian brunch’…….

Don’t forget, all the day-time action is Tweeted on @bryanwilliams66