So. 2 stints to go. Today was wet. 62 miles. We left in the pouring rain and it sort of cleared later on around midday, just in time for some amazing views from the top of the moors around Sutherland -truly spectacular with purple heather and orange grasses as far as the eye could see with gentle mountains all around. Only thing was we had to climb the worst hill encountered so far to get up there (the main roads follow around the lochs and inlets, this road went over the top!). The road was a 16% ascension for just under a mile! Definitely worth it. Plenty of scotch mist but we were fortunate to have the breaks in the weather just at the right time. The view of Carbisdale Castle where we are staying coming off the moor and with the vale of Sutherland before us was spectacular. The castle itself is a very grand affair - a fine old 18th C stone manor house of the Earl of Sutherland, filled with marble statues (Han says "Everywhere I look there is a bum or a breast") and old masters (not many original although a few Coleridge) - it really is a grand affair here on an enormous scale - well worth a visit and very economical to feel like a Lord and Lady of the estate! The food was er interesting with all three of us going for the beef madras and then laughing as we expereinced more sweat than all the worst hill cycling put together. We then watched another family have the same meal and it all descended into great fits of laughter and Ian sweated from the forehead, the scalp and the upper lip to Hans great enjoyment.
Tomorrow - TONGUE...
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