We set off from our very nice, spacious and comfortable chic apartment in Perth. It had been forecast for heavy rain today and we were incredibly fortunate that the weather turned out to be sunny and dry instead. It was very cold though with a wintery feel to the air. We were wrapped up warm with buff and skull cap keeping the wind off our faces.
Today’s ride would take us from near sea level on the banks of the river Tay, to the highest main road mountain pass in Britain, this stage was epic!
We navigated some city traffic to leave Perth and soon passed Scone Palace which is where the Kings of Scotland were crowned.
We passed through woodlands interspersed with fields and a short avenue of beautiful beech trees then opening up to crop fields and panoramic vistas. The sun made the scenery glow.
We passed through Blairgowrie and on to the Bridge of Cally Hotel.
We met a group of Americans on an organised cycling tour. We all stopped at a grassy area opposite the hotel. The friendly tour organiser offered us to help ourselves to the groups snacks and coffee!
I did avail myself of a Snickers bar, but Claire excelled herself with quality support using her jet boiler to make us hot drinks and apple turnovers and cheese twists from Lidl bakery!
After our stop we rode on to Glenshee Ski Centre. this involved about 24km of rolling but gradually ascending hills followed by a steep climb to the ski centre.
We were now riding in the Scottish highland and the scenery was outstanding and literally breath taking.
I walked up the steepest part of the climb but Soo had a valiant attempt at riding most of it, and Carol rode all the way to the top. We each got to the top in our own way and arrived almost simultaneously.
We warmed ourselves in the café and enjoyed lunch and a rest.
The descent was amazing and I think we each got a PB for 10km on Strava. We could see snow capped mountains in the distance as we rolled down to our accommodation, the Braemar Youth Hostel.
The hostel is very nice and we were amused that most of the occupants are probably grandparents rather than youth!
Claire’s Video:
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