A Mountain Bike day.

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A grey dreich morning so we decided to take the mountain bikes out for a spin. We rode from the door taking the main road to Spean Bridge and then turning for Fort William. At Aonachan we left the main road and headed into the Leanachan forest. The first climb of the day had us both breathing heavily and when we turned onto the forest tracks a few inches of thawing snow made the going very difficult. At times both wheels were sliding away and Susan's brakes where icing up. Gradually the going got easier and we were soon riding below the Aonach Mor gondola and into a very busy car park. Lots of people were heading up to ski despite the low cloud and damp conditions.
Susan in Leanachan Forest.

Riding below the Gondola.

From the Ski Centre we blasted down to Torlundy and then followed the cycle track into Fort William where we had lunch.
The route back took us first to the Caledonian Canal at Neptune's Staircase and then along the canal towpath - part of the Great Glen Cycle Route. The cloud of the morning had lifted and we had some great views towards Ben Nevis, the Mamores, Aonach Mor and the Grey Corries.
Neptune's Staircase.


The Caledonian Canal and Ben Nevis.

At Gairlochy a short detour took us to a great wee 'lighthouse' at the head of Loch Lochy and a tremendous view along the Great Glen.

The Great Glen.


A tough little road climb from Gairlochy saw us at the Commando Memorial above Spean Bridge and some great views of the Grey Corries. A quick downhill from here and we were almost back to Achaneich and tea. A great first day out.

The Commando Memorial.

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