If last Thursday (day 6 – 87 miles) was epic, today promises be biblical! Back in February when I started planning this route, it was clear today was looking like the toughest day.

So things kick off with a 26 mile, slow climb out of Pitlochry. As I near the summit another cyclist pulls alongside me. He’s on a smart looking race bike and has no panniers or luggage but tells me he is also cycling LEJoG, get this, in 4 days! He started at Lands End when I was in Durham! We wish each other luck and he’s gone over the horizon.

After the indignation of having to pedal downhill into the head wind, I eventually arrive at Aviemore and grab a roll & shake at Tesco (not very rock ‘n roll I know).

A rather gruelling 30 miles remain, but after some climbing, the last 5 into Inverness are all down hill. So, 90 miles in all and I have to admit, I feel absolutely knackered! The bloody hostel’s full of French & German school kids too. Hold on a minute, there could be some trouble here – all we need is an Austro-Hungarian Archduke and things could really kick off.

Tomorrow promises some ‘heavy showers’ according to the weather man on Auntie. Nice. But at least its my penultimate day.