Day 2 continued

We're extremely grateful to Sustrans for all their efforts over the years in creating a national cycle network.  We're following route 7 to Perth,  and it's mainly on quiet roads and cycle paths.  Imagine if cycling were as safe as this throughout the UK - I think a lot of the government's transport spending should channel away from making car travel easier,  and into improving active travel networks,  and public transport links.  And it should be easier to take bikes on public transport. Upgrading roads just results in people being more likely to jump in their cars.  

The cycle track yesterday following the A9 and railway was mainly excellent. The only thing I would add would be trees. More trees between the A9 and cycle track would add car noise protection,  shade from the sun,  shelter from the rain,  and a great habitat for more wildlife. 

Imagine a corridor of trees here,  and clearings for views. 

Six geese startled up beside us when we were almost in Dalwhinnie, closely followed by a six train carriage heading north (Olly counted them) - we decided it's a good omen for us six travellers..

We got to Dalwhinnie at about 4.30, and had a welcome break at a lovely, family run cafe/bar called The Lodge. The children were fuelled with juice and double chocolate tiffin, the owners kindly filled a million water bottles for us, and Olly got a game of chess with the owner's son on their chess table. 

The next 14km whizzed by - there must have been some good fuel in the chocolate tiffin! We passed Drummochter pass..

And then zoomed downhill to the turning to Loch Garry for a railway crossing. 

And found us a delightful campsite by the Loch,  with a tadpole filled pond right next to the tents. 

The midges only attacked us for a while, then a breeze got up so we could have dinner undisturbed. 

And spirits were still high, another sterling effort of cycling!