20 July - Loch Tay to Pitlochry

We reluctantly left the shore of Loch Tay on the morning of the 20th, and headed onward along Route 7 still toward Pitlochry.

It wasn't long before we were greeted/warned of the Red Squirrels that might appear along the roadside. Not sure why the exclamation mark - are they carnivorous?? - so we rode on cautiously and with our eyes keen for Red Squirrels!

Just as we reached Kenmore it started to rain, so we took a break for writing post cards and a coffee. The inn where we stopped is reputedly the oldest continuously-running inn in Scotland.

Just outside Kenmore is the Taymouth Castle. It's got a turbulent recent history, with several corporations attempting the restoration over the last couple decades, and several of them going bankrupt in the process. Nonetheless, it's awfully impressive.

Later on the day, we happened along Menzies Castle. We felt pressed for time, so we stopped in to use the loo. It was all the way at the back of the place, so we had a nice self-guided tour through the first floor. Wish we'd had more time, because I'm sure the rest of the place was quite magnificent.

Our friend, National Cycle Route 7. In places the signs were brilliantly placed, and we had an easy time following the route. A few times the signs were practically hidden, and much angst ensued as we wandered helplessly about the roundabouts trying to find our direction. Overall, the route is well planned, and keeps the cyclist off heavily-trafficked roads...

And often times places the cyclist on desperately steep back roads!! This picture is taken just outside Pitlochry, half-way (or less) up one of the VERY steep back roads. A few minutes recovery, and we were off again.

Here's camp at Pitlochry. Not our prefered mode, to camp with the caravans, but this place had laundry, showers, and was affordable. 

We spent the evening in Pitlochry, and attended the Highland Nights presentation. We thought it was going to be a night of Scottish Country Dancing, and a bit of a ceilidh, but it turns out it was a purely tourist thing, with canned acts held at the Atholl Palace. It was still pleasant to sit in the warm auditorium, because outside it was cold and continued to rain!

Ascending to the Atholl Palace with high hopes and ghillies in hand.

Lovely Highland dancing, of the sword variety.

40 miles today!