Day 2: Tain to Fort Augustus
FOLLOWING an early breakfast and a short stroll around the grounds at Carbisdale Castle, Paul and Adrian recommenced their journey just outside Tain, a main road route which bypassed many villages along the A9.
The morning was very monotonous, once off of the A9 they headed towards Dingwall, a pretty market town.
The scenery became far more interesting passing through some lovely villages.
We met Paul and Adrian for lunch at Beauly. Paul arrived looking very pale stating he hadn’t had a great morning, but a pasta salad and a blueberry muffin lifted his energy levels and he started the afternoon feeling much more positive.
During the morning Natasha and Annie visited Tain Pottery. The clay is transported from Devon and beautifully crafted into an assortment of shapes and sizes.
The team were very interested in our quest and kindly donated money to the Fortuneswell Cancer Trust.
The lads headed out to ride along the banks of Loch Ness meeting us at Urquhart Castle.
We used this opportunity to visit Moniack Castle Wineries; they have produced their own fruit wine, jams and chutneys since 1979.
I was driving but Natasha sampled a large selection of their wines. We left armed with yet more bags and another kindly donation form the ladies at the winery.
I think we should have purchased a top box for the car!
Stunning views of Loch Ness followed. Urquhart Castle staff were very helpful and allowed us free entry to take photographs with the Fortuneswell Cancer Trust banner. We all left together for the last 18 miles alongside the Loch.
The wind howled and unfortunately it started to rain with only four miles to go.
The lads arrived in Fort Augustus soaked but feeling privileged to have enjoyed such stunning scenery. After a shower and organising laundry we headed into Fort Augustus for some supper and a lamp lit view of the Caledonian Canal in the pouring rain.