JOHN TAYLOR’S SCOTTISH END TO END CYCLE RIDE- short story.

After UK End to End, 2000, thought up Scottish one. The interesting side of Scotland for cycling is the West, so it became Duncansby Head (NE) to Mull of Galloway (S), via Dunnet Head (N), Cape Wrath (NW), Ardnamurchan (W), Mull of Kintyre (SW).

First day cycling in Caithness was brilliant. Second day, Thurso to Tongue, was worst - 4 huge hills and a strong adverse wind, cold. Thereafter, although mainly dull, the weather improved a bit, until the sun shone a lot from Mull south. Wind still often adverse, but lighter and warmer; the latter makes a big difference. Only 4 hours rain altogether whilst cycling. No punctures.

One moment of drama – rear gear changer broke one mile from Cape Wrath, so had to walk it. Don’t worry, you can’t be there unless you went over in the wee ferry and the minibuses are running. So, the rescue went like clockwork – minibus, ferry, then landrover to Durness, then bikebus to Strathpeffer, cycle shop still open at 7pm (clearing up after an event), B&B 10 miles in the right direction. Next day I cycled to Achiltibuie, arriving just in time for the last guided tour of the Hydroponicum (stayed at SYHA there). Sorry to miss Scourie and Lochinver, but back on course. A few miles lost, but had some in hand. Total was 1087 in the 20 days.

No other incidents until arrival at Mull of Galloway, where kindly greeted by two fellow cyclists with board “THE END – WELL DONE JOHN”. Stayed at Queen’s Hotel, Drummore, which has an old CTC plaque on it and where the daughter of the family is a reporter on the D&G Standard, so she took my story,

John

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