North East Tour
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George Gass, Derek Skinner, Alan Broadfoot and Chris McFadden completed a tour of the Scottish Highland league football clubs over 5 consecutive days in November.
Day 1 – A very wet start in Brechin finished at Pitmedden, near Ellon, after taking in Stonehaven and Aberdeen. 90 miles were cycled while being supported by Derek’s father driving the campervan. The day turned in favour of the cyclists after the Greggs cafe stop in Stonehaven to get out the rain and warm up. A finish in the dark but satisfying day.
Day 2 – change of weather and a stunning route round the North East corner, taking in Peterhead and Fraserburgh followed by a hilly coastal route. Some of the best views of the trip. 80 miles and plenty of effort before rolling into Turriff.
Day 3 – A loop of Moray and Speyside, passing many towns and distilleries and ending in Buckie. Cycling past the RAF base at Lossiemouth had Alan ramping up his ebike with visions of being Tom Cruise. 5 football grounds were ticked off the list today.
Day 4 – The start for the day was up at Grantown-on-Spey, and after a brief climb was downhill to Forres and Nairn. By now we were taking turns driving the van, and George swapped to cycle the headwind to Inverness. The Jacobite’s were moving faster than the cyclists as today finished at Culloden Battleground.
Day 5 – Final day, and a stunner. Once the rain passed the sun came out, a tail wind and temperature of 16oC. A long steep climb up Glen Loth produced amazing scenery and long perfect roads to Thurso. A decision was made to fight the crosswind and finish the trip at the iconic John O’ Groats. A solid 85 miles.
You are either mad or lucky to cycle in November, but that’s the second year of touring with no issues, punctures and only a few hours of rain. Planning, commuting and logistics making it possible.
Next year Ireland?
Derek
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