On Thursday May 30th, Jason and I packed our campsite and after coffee and oatmeal, headed back in the van to The Achness Hotel. Today my plan was to continue on the GB Divide route and wild camp somewhere in between Rosehall and Altnaharra. However, since Jason had joined me with his van, we decided he would meet me half way and we would drive back to the Achness Hotel where we were told we could camp in their garden. This was a great plan since there were few places to get food.

We stopped in the general store on our way through Lairg so I could stock up on snacks and something for lunch. As I was bending down to pick up a chocolate bar, I heard someone chuckling. I looked up to see non other than Duncan (my campsite friend from Loch Vaich) standing beside me. He asked me “who’s following who?” 😆 We chatted about the previous day and where we were both headed today. I introduced him to Jason and gave him my contact information in case he ever visited Colorado. He told me “If you ever visit Unst, just ask for Duncan, first house after the castle.” 😂 And so now if Jacques and I visit the Shetlands, we will definitely look him up.

Jason and I left and shortly arrived back in Rosehall where I would start the day’s journey.

After making friends with some adorable horses and foals in a paddock by the hotel, I finally set off. I gave Jason an ETA on when I would arrive at the pick up point later in the day and told him I would give him a call or text if I had a signal when I arrived on the road. Otherwise he would just be there and wait.

My route today followed the River Casserly upstream mostly on gravel with a pretty steep climb as I veered away from the river and crossed my high point at 1,339ft/408.13m on the side of Maovally followed by a crazy descent.

It was an absolutely fabulous day. I didn’t see one other person or car until I descended onto the road that runs along Loch Shin and Loch Merkland from Lairg to the north west coast of Scotland.

Right before I started the steep climb, I passed Duchally Power Station. I was ready for lunch but decided a steep climb on a full stomach was not a good idea , so I pushed on until the climb was done and then sat down to take in the views and eat lunch.

The descent was extremely long and steep and very chilly. It started to rain making the landscape feel desolate and bleak. My hands were freezing despite wearing my black washing up gloves to keep them dry and I was ready for a cup of tea!!

I finally crossed the bridge between Loch Shin and Loch a Ghriama and eventually joined the road. I cycled north for a few miles to the agreed upon meeting place at West Merkland and there was Jason brewing a cup of tea 😀