I leave Inverness in the glorious sunshine but that all changes as I cycle over the rather impressive Kessock Bridge, crossing the Beauly Firth and start a long climb into a headwind and drizzle.

The headwind gets stronger and colder and at times nearly reduces me to a complete stand still. I cross first the Cromarty firth and then the Dornoch Firth road bridges as I make my way up the east coast. Stopping for lunch in Golspie, the drizzle turns to rain and the day turns truly miserable.

I slowly but surely continue up the A9 until I finally arrive at HelmsDeep [ed: err, don’t you mean Helmsdale?]. Helmsdale is a former Scottish Youth Hostel, now privately run and is both excellent and full, leaving me wondering why the SYHA decided to ditch it? There are a couple of other guys cycling LEJoG here too – one in my direction, one who has just finished his first days ride from John O’Gorats. We all head into Helmsdale to search out the rumoured fish & chip shop.

After 14 days in the saddle, I feel I’m developing some form of Stockholmer syndrome for my bike. Unfortunately, I’ll have to kiss it goodbye tomorrow as I have a flight booked out of Kirkwall on Orkney and taking the bike is not an option.