B&B wasn't the best but the landlady was extremely friendly and helpful, even making us complimentary rolls for lunch. I slept like a log so woke up feeling refreshed. Clear blue skies, no rain but very windy.
Less than 30 miles today, so we had a leisurely start. A 2 mile steep climb out of Stonehaven up past Dunnotar castle got the heart pumping and warmed us up. We turned onto our old friend cycle route 1 and quiet, car free lanes passing through amazing countryside. The blue sea was constantly on our left and the wing behind us or over our right shoulder, so we really enjoyed the cycling. We are passing through fields full of wheat or highland cattle and everywhere combine harvesters or bailers are busy bringing in the harvest.
After 10 miles, route 1 gives us a choice of the "on road" or "off road" routes and we have no hesitation in opting for the latter. For the next 7-8 miles we are travelling on remote, rough cycle tracks right next to the sea and through the most beautiful scenery. We stopped to consume our rolls and sit in the sunshine by the sea - bliss!
Sadly the coastal track comes to an end and route 1 takes us onto a busy A road for a while. Why do some drivers disengage their brains when they get behind the wheel: cars missing our elbows by inches as they rocket past at 70 mph on a single lane road, the massive farm vehicle going so fast the turbulence in his wake nearly knocks of our bikes and best of all the white van driver coming the other way who overtakes at high speed with no regard for the cyclists on the other side of the road!!!
With much relief we turn back onto car free lanes and soon have the most amazing view across the wheat fields to the empty golden beach at St Cyrus. The cycle track turns onto another disused railway line (so many in this part of the world) and we cycle across a viaduct over a wide fast flowing river. We watch the fly fishermen on the river and enjoyed the view for a while.
We stayed on the cycle track which was fantastic and ran right into the centre of Montrose. Because we were early, we cycled to the beach and enjoyed a well earned ice cream. Montrose looks like a very pleasant town.
In the evening we have an enjoyable curry and walk round Montrose.
No comments:
Post a Comment