Day 6
Thurso to Brora
134km, 1200m ascent
A bike trip around this part of Scotland would only be complete if a right good soaking featured at some stage. We avoided it for most of the day, but a torrential downpour greeted us for the final 10 miles into Brora. The hotel receptionist looked on in despair as the two dripping wet cyclists entered the lobby, probably hoping that we were staying elsewhere.
The day began in good spirits, starting with a goodbye and good riddance to Thurso and a big hello to the tailwind pushing us to John O’ Groats. The first 30km was knocked out in no time, along some very straight & quiet roads. We then pushed on down the road and reached Wick in time for lunch at Wickers World, bringing back memories of a TV show featuring Mr Alan Whicker and a catchphrase of “Hello World”.
From hello World we moved to “go away” wind, this time 3-1/2 hours worth of a headwind on our journey South. We lined up single file for most of the way, but had some pleasant distractions en route, including an extended discussion with a butcher who had just finished making a fresh batch of black puddings. They were hanging from what looked like a clothes line, ten pairs of stuffed black socks.
Thankfully, we’re now all fed & watered, and ready to sample the local dram of Brora, called Clynelish. Last day tomorrow.
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