Day 1: Farr to Dalraddy Holiday park, near Kincraig


What an epic start to our journey! We had a lovely send off from Judy McInnes outside Farr School,  and Isobel outside Inverarnie Stores, Murray and Maria cycled out from Inverness to join us for the first couple of kilometres, Paul accompanied us to the shop and bought the Inverness Courier so we could admire our article (!), and Scott accompanied us to Tomatin, where we sampled the delights of the cafe.
The route was basically on good cycle paths and quiet roads. The main danger point was the crossing of the busy A9 between Moy and Tomatin, where we had to wait for ages for a break in the traffic - this would be a very good place for a cycle underpass..

The dreaded climb to Slochd Summit was achieved without much effort because a kindly wind blew down Strathdearn on its south-westerly course and funnelled up the hill to the Slochd. We were expecting a headwind by that point! Then it was basically downhill!
It was strange going passed the Slochd with no snow. Under the A9 bridge where Freya and Olly started their first ski mountaineering this year,  we met a man cycling north, heading for lunch at the Strathdearn, who said "oh, you're that group heading to Edinburgh, I read about you in the paper." There was much excitement in the group at that!

An obligatory playpark and icecream stop in Carrbridge..
And then off to join the Speyside way from Boat of Garten to Aviemore - a blessed relief from traffic noise, a lovely smooth track,  and loads of beautiful scots pines and birches.

In Aviemore, a forgotten item was kindly delivered to us by Scott on his way East,
and then just 5km left to get to our destination! Exhausted but happy.  No clue how there was so much energy left for playpark, football and general running about after 62km of cycling!!

https://strava.app.link/Khz2qiUyYhb

Kristina

Comments

  1. Unknown18 July 2021 at 01:31

    What a fantastic first day! We are thinking of you and wish you a fantastic coming days!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Liz18 July 2021 at 01:50



    Glad you enjoyed our cafe. We've just been awarded the Cycling friendly community and employer award by cycling Scotland so hope the paths were up to scratch but as a Moy resident I agree that the crossing needs improvement.
    The junction will be changing when the A9 is dualled so and a cycle path is included in the plans so hopefully will be better.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Olly, Freya, Heather, Lente, Philine, Kristina21 July 2021 at 02:40

      We love your cafe, Liz, and that's great news about the cycle track improvements. We were very happy with the cycle route all the way to the Carrbridge road, and so nice to follow the railway. The A9 wasn't even too bothering. I really hope you keep the cafe going - such a nice stop for locals, cyclists and travellers alike.

      Delete

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