Day 10

I woke after a cold, but not frosty, night to the sound of birds singing. My stove spluttered making my morning tea and noodles, possibly the cold but I also realised it was running out. I wondered where I might find more gas as shops are small and infrequent now, I should have checked and got some in Inverness or Dingwall. I had a look at the bathing option before setting off.

There was an impressive tree house as I left the Glencalvie estate.

The river Carron was lovely where I crossed it.

I passed a couple of horses who came to say hello.

After 10 miles I reached Ardgay and filled up my water bottles at the public toilets. Not expecting much in a small village at 9am on Sunday, I asked someone if there was anywhere I could get a tea. She said there was a shop just along the road doing takeaways. Even better, they had the gas cylinder I needed, an answer to prayer. I then crossed the river to Bonar Bridge.

I stopped to talk with a couple of cyclists heading down from Shetland and Orkney before heading up the hill. Today it was on road and fairly easy riding, I even had the wind behind me for a while. It was over fairly bleak moorland but with some interesting features in places.

I then had a couple of miles to do on the A9. Loads of traffic but it all passed me at a reasonable distance.

It then headed through Loch Fleet wood to reach Golspie.

I asked a couple of people where I could get lunch and one of them recommended The Salt House. It was fabulous and very friendly with haggis on the run, haggis and egg in a bun, and a good size pot of tea.

I was surprised to see the person I had chatted to yesterday. She had got bored with the road and caught a bus to get to the more interesting sections. It was good to continue our chat before going out into the rain.

I headed up the Big Burn walk  meeting a couple who asked all about my trip.

A little further on there was a flight of steps. I was struggling to get the bike up when a walker offered to help. Even with two of us it was quite a workout!

There was a beautiful skating pond at the top.

After descending through some woods, I reached a ford that looked rather deeper than the post indicated so I went over the bridge.

Soon after, I reached Brora and found Sid's Spice, a curry house someone in the way had recommended. My survey of Scottish Jalfrezi meals continues! Tonight it is probably camping by the beach now the rain has stopped.

Another great day meeting lots of kind people, thanks to all who supported me in various ways today.