May 2007: North to Altnabreac
George and I took the train from Dundee to Altnabreac Station. Found a fisherman's hut a couple of miles away and "camped" there. Weather was cold, north wind, odd shower.
Saturday saw us heading south on good tracks past Lochdhu Hotel (now a private house). Dalnawillian Lodge and out to Braemore. Then on to the A9 to Helmsdale via the Berriedale Braes. After a late lunch we headed north to Kinbrace via Strath Ullie (Strath of Kildonan) along the River Helmsdale. Left at Kinbrace then left onto a track towards Loch Choire Lodge. Found a good bothy (Gearnsary) with fireplace and wood. George can produce a good going fire at the drop of a hat. The weather was cold overnight but we were comfortable.
Sunday continued west past Loch Choire Lodge to west end of Loch Choire and a good fire and lunch. Met Bernard and Betty Heath of MBA fame. Travelled on south on a stalking path to Ben Armine Lodge where the keeper and his wife gave us tea and were pleased to have news of Bernard and Betty. (The keeper hails from Kirriemuir!) 7 miles of reasonable track took us to the road at Sciberscross and then to Rogart Station Bunkhouse in old railway carriages. Excellent. 10% discount for cyclists.
Next day all we had to do was get to Inverness by 3.15pm. George's encyclopaedic knowledge of highways and byways ensured we stayed off the A9 as much as possible. Saw several groups of cyclists heading for John O'Groats into the cold north wind! We took the Inverness to Aberdeen train, then on to Dundee. I got off at Montrose and cycled home to Kirriemuir.
All in all a great trip; thanks to George. Scotrail's cheap over-55 deal was useful. The weather was great, the locals friendly and the views and wildlife superb.
Reg Popham
