Day 22 started with rain, so rain gear on us and the panniers . Soon after leaving Altquhur Byre B&B (Our thanks to them for their donation) we were wowed by this little house.
Before too long we had to climb up some steps. Not easy with Daisy loaded up!
We knew today’s ride was going to be tough as it included 3 BIG hill climbs and we were soon into the first one, in very humid conditions. The rain eased up so we were able to take off our rain gear which helped considerably. It was the lowest gear until we reached the top, 600 ft up and then around 700 ft down the other side to Gartmore where just after we crossed the River Forth. At Aberfoyle we had the biggest and steepest climb of the day 750 ft up through The Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.
The wet mosses and the huge pine and spruce trees were so beautiful we nearly forgot about the steepness of the ride (but not quite).
The route down was really stony and bumpy where it joined the forest drive and shook the rear pannier loose (quick repair carried out). We passed several smaller lochs before riding next to the 3.5 mile long Loch Venachar where we stopped for lunch.
The thundery showers forecast came as promised so we put our capes on and sheltered under a tree until they passed.
Sunshine back out and on our way again. At the end of the loch near Callander nestled on the shore was the superb Ripple Retreat building for families of young cancer patients to stay. Some tears were shed.
Just north of Callander a gentle climb gave us views of Garbh Uisge.
Just after Loch Lubnaig we had another downpour and once again sheltered.
A steep climb with many hairpin bends on narrow tracks took us to the foot of Glen Ogle a very long steady climb up the line of the former Killin Railway which had many warnings of rock falls in adverse conditions. With views of another mountainous landscape.
The last few miles descended down through rough forest tracks to Killin our B&B for the night.
We were very tired.
To top it all we were then informed our B&B for Thursday had been cancelled due to Covid some Googling and phone calls made to find alternative.
Total distance today 46 miles
Total Hill Climbs 3268 ft
