Day 6 - Abington to Glencoe

Woke up early to a howling gale outside. Set off at around 9am to the 30mph south-westerly winds. The wind was getting us side-on which was a bit hairy for the first few miles as we were quite exposed. However, the road was really good (actually a disused road had been converted into a cycle path). We headed towards Strathaven then onto East Kilbride, Paisley and over Erskine Bridge in horrendous rain. The wind had died down, but the rain was very heavy. We met Toby for lunch after 65miles at Balloch at the start of Loch Lomond, and after the earlier towns/suburbs, the scenery was fantastic. During our lunch we did an emergency shoe and clothes drying session using newspaper and the gas heater. Despite the fact that it was conbtinuously raining, Loch Lomond was beautiful, and we cycled along it for around 25miles. After this we had some long climbs up, crossing several glens. Instead of stopping at the Bridge of Orchy as planned, we decided to push on to Glencoe, in order to make the next two days a little easier.

Meanwhile, Toby had some interesting experiences involving the campervan toilet cassette and a burst bottle of vegetable oil. After showering and changing his clothes, he was able to continue up to Loch Lomond. Once at Glencoe, his problems continued when he was 'moved on', forgetting that he had a kettle of water on the cooker, and in the panic of spilled water also managed to get the campervan stuck. Luckily the bar staff at the King's House Hotel rallied to the cause, and pushed the van out of the mud.

It was a very long and wet day, but with incredible scenery (after we had got past Glasgow). In total we cycled 122miles, with 7 hours 32mins in the saddle, with an average of 16.0mph and a maximum of 42mph. We had a great meal in the King's House with deer in the carpark.

The reception is not good enough to upload photos. We will add more tomorrow.