Brodies hostel in Edinburgh is not to be recommended. While we had a bed, it was the noisiest and worst place we have stayed at so far. A water pump just above our ceiling was going all night.

So we were glad to leave Brodies behind, but sad to leave Kenny behind. Some excuse about a conference in Edinburgh meant he had cycled as far as he was going to, so after waving us goodbye, he went off to a luxury hotel, large breakfast and comfort !!!

Unfortunately the rain was falling when we woke, and continued virtually all day long. The morning especially was foul. Everyone got soaked through, cold and down. At the first break, many had to change clothes, blankets were wrapped round to keep warm, hot drinks all round. Gradually the rain slowed as we progressed but it was a very tough day, and everyone was exhausted at the end of it.

The Forth Bridge was particularly difficult. Torrential rain and high winds just as most of us crossed it.

Nevertheless it was of course an eventful day as always. Brian, another friend of Davy’s, joined us for the days cycling from Edinburgh to Pitlochry.

Even in the rain and low cloud, Scotland is beautiful. Lots of wide, fast flowing rivers, with mountainous backdrops. Often stunning views. Low cloud covering the tops. Dunkeld was beautiful. Just outside of Dunkeld a Red deer with its fawn appeared and disappeared quickly in front of us.

Today’s route often followed the main A9 up into the heart of Scotland, but we mainly cycled on b-roads shadowing the main route.

Rays front tyre today bit the dust, having been worn down to the canvas, so eventually the inner tube blew. Daz came to the rescue, cycling back nearly five miles to take Ray a new tyre that he had only bought that morning, knowing his old one was severely worn.

As this group entered the high street of Pitlochry, a bagpipe started playing welcoming them to the town. The Pitlochry Backpackers Hotel seems so much more helpful, warm, clean, reassuring, comfortable and friendly than Brodies !