Glen Tilt...tough going

River Tilt Blair Atholl

It was day 2 of my 3 day outdoor trip to Perthshire. Yesterday I completed my hill walk and today it was the turn for my bike ride. I chose to mountain bike cycle part of Glen Tilt, starting from Blair Atholl. The weather forecast was still for 20-30mph winds but I hoped that the hills in the glen would deflect and subdue the impact of these, how wrong was I to be.
I parked at the tourist information car park in Blair Atholl, no charges for parking that I could see. The chain was looking a bit dry so put some oil on and ready to go. My rucksack seemed to weigh a ton but better on my back than the bike.

Carn Liath

I decided to take a cycle around the Blair Atholl caravan park just to get the muscles warmed up then headed up the Bridge of Tilt road towards the carpark about half a mile away.
I found the area okay but did not go into the carpark, mistake, deciding to take a tarmac road to my left, which was very much uphill riding, I was following two walkers so thinking I was on right route. After reaching the top and breathing hard, I looked around and realised that this was taking me away from the hills of Glen Tilt, what a plonker. I took a couple of photos of Carn Liath, checked the OS map and made a fast descent back to the carpark. I knew this carpark from walking last year and followed the walking track, which is not exactly made for MTB's, eventually I  reached a forest track and knew now I was on track but how did I miss it earlier? 

Leaving the woods

A couple of miles down this forest track and I was almost ko'd by walkers and the inevitable dog. On a fast downhill a woman stepped out from the trees on my left and I could she that she saw me but we were in no danger. Fine, but she made no attempt to warn her fellow elderly walkers, and dog, who were behind her and came out of the trees just as I flew past, a nasty collision just missed.
Once out of the trees the track has mainly farm fields on the right populated with lots of sheep and the River Tilt on the left with some beautiful deep gorges and running water, a stunning landscape.
As I came out into the open landscape the wind kicked in and I realised that my early optimism was clearly misplaced and the hills had not deflected the wind but created a wind tunnel, blowing from the east directly into my face.
The track was made up of loose scree and stones. I realised by my quite strenuous efforts that I was gaining height, whilst trying to keep my backside on the saddle to allow the rear tyre to grip was tough. The bike was skidding about on the surface, and in a vertical climb, with a constant headwind this was challenging to say the least.

Gaws bridge looking downriver above and upriver below

However, the scenery was outstanding but the effort of the ride meant that I was not taking as much in as I would like. Stopping to take pictures also gave me that little breather but my style is to keep going with minimal rest so these photo stops were brief.
There were an incredible amount of sheep with very young lambs on route but very little other wildlife. Indeed I never saw another person although there were some cottages around. 
The track can be walked all the way to Braemar but not for me today. This never ending wind was really demoralising my spirit and I was working very hard mentally at self motivation to keep going. 

Into the wilderness Glen Tilt

I cycle to the river side of Forest Lodge, a fine building, I think is an outdoor activity base but it is deserted as I pass by. Possibly just an Atholl Estate property for the stalking season. Probably make enough money in the shooting season to not need to open the rest of the year.
The river Tilt continued to tumble beside me, beautiful, clear, cold looking water. This is a salmon river but I doubt that many make it this far.

River Tilt

There now came the point where both body and spirit said no more. I am no youngster but I consider myself reasonably fit but this was just plain hard going, too tough. It was only later when I uploaded my GPS data that I realised I had climbed almost 2000 feet from Blair Atholl. Thats two thirds of a Munro and into that constant strong headwind, no wonder I was gubbed.

Looking back remote

I ate my sandwich, reflecting on the ride, lying on the grass, with beautiful awe inspiring, enclosing and surrounding hills. I was isolated but did not feel lonely, this is a freedom and solitude most people never experience, enjoy the moment.

2nd footbridge

As soon as I got on the the bike on the way down I was freewheeling which brought home the feeling of a fun, fast, bouncing MTB descent, particularly with the wind at my back. I returned in about a quarter of the time it took to ascend. 23 miles out and back and I can safely say that it was as tough a bike ride as I can remember. But beautiful views all the way, a fast and enjoyable descent, je ne regret rien.

Waterfall near footbridge

Ardrossan - Largs

Arran from parking area

The forecast was a great deal better today, still with strong breezy winds but only a small chance of rain. Despite the wind I decided on a bike ride, got the car loaded and drove to Ardrossan for a change of scenery. After a fortnight away over-eating and drinking this was my first cycle for 3 weeks so a reasonably flat route chosen. Depending on how it went I also had the option of getting the ferry across to Cumbrae and add another 10 miles.

The track to West Kilbride

I parked the car just outside of Ardrossan and almost got blown over by the gust of wind, wow a lot stronger here than Barassie. The views were good so hopefully a nice ride.
The winds blew from the north, right into my face, but I surprised myself with my breathing and fitness, I felt okay.
I stuck to the cycle path until West Kilbride where I joined the road, not before switching on my rear light to strobe. It might be daylight but it is powerful and since I started using it I am more aware of traffic giving me a wider berth. Moon Shield a superb light for under £30.

No issues with traffic as I got through the town and re-joined the pavement on the other side, it was bit rough going at times, loose stones, holes etc. but safer than the main road. A short while later I cut inland following the tree lined track to Hunterston House. I remember to stop and switch off the light as I had not charged it before I left, only down point with the light is you are not sure what power is in it, USB charge so no batteries to change. The wind was less severe here and I enjoyed the cycle through the woods, although again a bit rough at times for the road tyres. Hopefully no punctures.
Spring is arriving and the colour is starting to appear although these trees have a bit to go to be fully leaved.
I pass a farmer entering a field where the sheep have newly lambed. Maybe good timing as there are a few carrion crows walking about. Sadly crows have an appetite for new born lambs eyes, not nice but that's nature for you.

Coal cranes at Fairlie

There is a safe path all the way to Fairlie where I then followed the signs to go with the Ayrshire Coastal Path behind the village. This is low tide with exposed vegetation and the water some way away. However even with an MTB some of this path would be tough going, therefore dismount and a short stretch of pushing.
Back onto the main road but only for a mile or so before I can get back onto a cycle path.
This path takes you past Largs marina and follows the coast into the town. The advantage is you miss the short sharp climb at the golf course. The downside is that it is populated by people and dogs both natural hazards for cyclists. I do use a bell to be socially correct but the reactions of people are so unpredictable that you still have to slow down and take extreme care. Sometimes I think the road is actually safer for cyclists.

Cumbrae Ferries

Another near thing, at one bend a cyclist comes round the corner very fast and on the wrong side, I brake hard as I noticed he is followed by a female taking the same route and going just as fast not paying attention. A few swear words directed at them. Cyclists can give cyclists a bad name as well.
Avoided a few dogs and their owners and arrived at the ferry which was just departing. The wind was still blowing a hoolie so I cycled up to the end of the walkway and came back.  Black clouds had made an appearance overhead, rain or not? I decided to just return and save Cumbrae for a day when the elements will make it more enjoyable. I took a detour into the marina, lots of money on display here.

Largs Marina

Dodged a few more dogs, smiling owners with no idea that their out of control dogs can be a danger, then back onto the road through Fairlie. Here I have my two significant incidents of the day. Firstly a red Volvo appears right beside me whilst we are going round a corner, I could reach out and touch but I'm pressed right against a kerb hoping no potholes to twitch the bike or I will go under him. More swearing as he speeds away. Then right after at the next bend, white van man comes past but at least he gives me room but his overtaking has taken him over the middle of the road just as an articulated lorry comes up on the other side of the road, avoiding the lorry white van man dives back in to our single lane, thankfully he was just ahead of me but another impatient driver almost causing an accident. It is sad how many drivers do not respect cyclists, maybe every driver should be made to spend time as a cyclist!!

Hunterston power station 

I follow the same route back and with the tail wind make good time. Overall an enjoyable cycle with some great views. Sadly a few be aware moments that seem all too frequent these days. A round trip of 27 miles, that will do for today, now beer time.