Pretty Perthshire

Andrew had a restless night pondering his fuel consumption. Waking at 6am he decided to empty everything he had onto his bedroom floor and have a long hard look. The result was that, by breakfast, he had decided to ditch his panniers and most of their contents and continue with the bare minimum. He’ll now make do with one sock and a single underpant, plus a plentiful supply of bum pads! He dumped the panniers at hotel reception promising to collect them in a week or two.

The corporate hotel served a rubbery breakfast! Overcooked and bland. Pete and Steve stuck to triple Muesli.

On our way, the first stop after half a mile was the co-op to stock up for lunch in case of nowhere else to be found. Then we were on our way properly. Or maybe not! Andrew realised he’d broken his spd sl cleats last night. If this was tomorrow it would have been game over but, luckily, very bloody luckily, there was a bike shop close by that had spares. Pete, being Captain Slow, set out alone while Steve waited for Andrew to go shopping again. He didn’t waste his time though. He cleverly coined Andrew’s new nickname ‘Captain Fafftastic’. He’s very proud of that 🤦‍♂️

The boys caught up with Pete after 25 miles or so and the day continued as planned.

Perthshire is a lovely place. Big hills, farmland and acres of woodland. Just before Dunkeld we joined the River Tay and followed it, and the River Tummel along a lovely quiet NCN route for 15 miles or so. Steve, having done his bit for the day, pushed on ahead towards Pitlochry. On the way he found a sheep with its head stuck in a fence. Not wanting to see an animal suffering, but also not wanting to wade through a stream, he flagged down a pickup from the local estate and got the driver to rescue the animal. It’s the thought that counts!

Pete and Andrew finally made Pitlochry to be greeted by Steve from the front of a local hostelry, pint in hand. They didnt stop. All arrived at Blair Atholl together. Nice hotel - very grand public areas, but pretty average bedrooms. Great dinner though-lots of game on the menu.

All a bit worried about the forecast for tomorrow!

stats 69 miles, 4042 feet

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