Since the weather is turning and I'm on my way there again next week, I thought I'd post up some pictures from a 100km loop I did from Torridon this time last year. The weather was damn cold that week and there had been plenty of snow to freeze, so it was a great chance to give my Marathon Winters a proper run out. My attempted early start saw me leave the cottage about half ten.
[img] 
[/img]
The tops were sunny already, but the road to Shieldaig was in shade and frozen solid.
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
First proper climb was an up and over to Kishorn, with some nice sunlight to thaw me out.
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
The studded tyres were doing their job well, but I still had to be wary of other road users.
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
I passed by the temptation of the Bealach na Ba, as that loop would have left me short of my 100km target. Instead, it was straight over the next climb to drop into Lochcarron.
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
A quick refuel of butties and Irn Bru, and then onwards for the long gradual climb towards Achnasheen. The road surface here was great, so the almighty weight of my ice tyres really began to make itself felt!
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
As I turned off towards Kinlochewe, road conditions were back to proper winter.
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
Next up was an easy cruise back to Annat, along a beautiful stretch of road, especially on a day like today.
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
[img] 
[/img]
As the temperatures started to plummet again, I was forced to top myself up with a biscuit with only a mile to go, as the last of my energy was spent. Still a great day out, which is on the cards for next week, possibly throwing in the Bealach as well if I'm feeling frisky!
[img] 
[/img]
Thanks for sharing - make me wish I was home(Garve)for Xmas.
Oh how much do I envy you!?
The word EPIC is somewhat overused but is truly deserved here!
Beautiful that
If I could / if I had my way I'd love to do that on Christmas Day
Stunning photos , I did the classic Beleach Route in the Spring and It was beautiful . Im planning a return visit next year with the mountain bike. Stunning area.
Fantastic landscape, pics and ride!
lucky man. thanks for that ::)
Aye, we normally stay in Applecross every February and do the Bealach whilst we're there - air clarity is great this time of year. Hopefully get some nice shots next week!