A Complicated Start

Even getting out of Inverness proved more difficult than expected, with the cycle path over the Kessock Bridge closed. I followed the diversion, which took me a couple of miles almost back into the city before depositing me on the opposite side of the bridge. Only then did I realise a quicker, if less safe, option would have been to backtrack a couple of hundred yards and cross directly over the A9. Still, I was ultimately glad simply to get across the Beauly Firth at all; when I first saw the closure sign, I briefly imagined myself cycling all the way around it.

The route followed National Cycle Route 1, shadowing the busy road north. My first stop was Dingwall, often described as a gateway to the northern Highlands.  I wanted to avoid the more direct, but busy A835 route to Ullapool, opting instead for quieter roads that led north. Over the next couple of days I had cause to question that decision.

I followed the back lanes climbing away from Dingwall with beautiful views over the Cromarty Forth. Along the way I met up with a group of cyclists who were completing a charity LEJOG ride.

I finished the day dropping down to Ardgay, where I was warmly welcomed by my Warmshowers hosts, Mike and Vicki, at their beautiful home on the banks of the Dornoch Firth. It was a generous and grounding end to this first day.