July 8th Calvine - Kincraig

It was cold so we put on our lycra trousers for the first time and it rained or drizzled on and off for much of the day but we got most pummeling from the Northerly wind. From Calvine we were able to cycle on track - free roads, tracks or paths all the way to Newtonmore. We climbed steadly up the Dromochter Pass - about 15 miles . It was hard because of the winds. Suddenly came across an adult stag with superb antlers grazing beside our path. It was as surprised as we were. Linda tried to photograph it but it was off! Route 7 was really most impressive: just a few areas where the surface was a bit broken up. Coffee at Dalwhinnie, just a hotel and a few houses, really a centre for outdoor activites as we are now officially in the Highlands. The path followed the river and for much of the time the main Inverness railway line. The A9 rumbled to our right. Cycled pastLoch Garry and Loch Ericht. When we got to Newtonmore the river Spey joined our river near Ralia. Had our bacon sarnnies in a park in Kingussie and then on B970 above the river valley of the River Spey. cycled through Insh, a tiny village where Linda's mother was born, and then to Loch Insh and Kincraig which stands at the end of the Loch. The Ossian Hotel seems a little old fashioned and of a good standard. We had a great room with views looking across the Loch to the Monadhliath mountains.
Had a most enjoyable evening. met a local couple with their relative from South Africa all of hume insisted we had their addresses. The lady from Durban particularly keen that we visit her. Excellent meal. Only one other person staying in the hotel - a rep of a firm selling bikes and accessories. We enjoyed our breakfast with him. Jeff had haddock and a poached egg! ( 41 miles)