Thursday, 6th July. South Uist to North Uist 44 miles 950 ft

THURSDAY, 6TH JULY  10.22PM  DELAYED POST DUE TO NO WIFI

I don’t know about the other Belles but I certainly had a good nights sleep in Polochur Inn.  We all met at 8.30am for an excellent breakfast looking out at a dry and, joy of joys, a strong south wind.

Toni had lost her Bike Computer but fortunately it turned up, Fiona L discovered her saddle bag had been attached incorrectly but at 10.00am we all rolled out to cycle the Long Island, South Uist to North Uist.  Linda was cycling whilst Jillian went ahead in Cilla 2.    The first thing to catch our eye was a sign pointing to the Birthplace of Flora MacDonald, we detoured to a Monument/Plaque giving a little history of the Scottish Heroine, fascinating. Next stop, was the Kildonan Museum where we had a short break for a cup of tea/coffee. We had barely covered 10 miles but were thoroughly enjoying ourselves, being blown along but cyclists going south had heads down, battling against the wind.   The terrain was mostly flat with a few undulating hills, a bleak landscape with randomly scattered houses, I felt as though I was on top of the world.  The girls were making good time going at their own pace. In their colourful jackets they looked like a string of beads strung out on the winding road. There appears no cultivation just the occasional flock of sheep and herd of cows.  Much wildlife of which I confess I am quite ignorant. Beautifully preserved thatched cottages but also many derelict houses.  Eventually we reached the Hebridean Jewellery Workshop/Tearoom where we stopped for lunch.  Perfect timing because as we pulled in the rain came on and that was it on for the day.  After a delicious lunch we reluctantly set off to cycle the last 22 miles to our accommodation. There was no stopping now and with a tailwind we flew up the road.  We crossed many causeways making Berneray just after 3.00pm. Wet and weary Belles pulled into our accommodation, the Tractor Shed, Paible just before 4.00pm.  It is certainly ‘different’, turf covered pods in a row, the look of amazement on the Belles faces said it all.  But after a cup of tea and hot shower every one cheered up. Before dinner we gathered in Cilla 2 to belatedly celebrate Toni’s birthday, a birthday cake, candles and Prosseco were produced much to Toni’s astonishment then she was presented with card and Auchrannie Voucher from the Belles.  To say she was surprised is an understatement.  Donald, the taxi driver arrived to ferry us, in three trips, 5 miles down the road to the Westford Inn for dinner. He lives close to the Inn but hasn’t been for a meal, said the portions were too big. A bit of a charactor.  Another great meal in great company discussing the events of the day. Jillian gave us a weather report, back to short wearing weather and Carol talked of places of interest.  A day of two halves but both very enjoyable, what’s not to like…on a bike, good company, flattish road, tailwind…..just follow the road, well done the Arran Belles.