Day 10: Dunfermline to South West Cairngorms

A great day! Up a bit late after a couple too many beers last night in Dunfirmline’s two open pubs (that we could find!), but we packed up and set off promptly once out of bed.


I’ve a few saddle sores (perhaps too much detail!), so went into a chemist before setting off… and the cream was free!! It turns out that in Scotland you don’t pay for prescriptions, and the woman put it through the till as that. I’m sure someone will be knocking on my door and demanding money at some point but, for now, I’m enjoying my zero cost tub of Sudocrem!


Breakfast is served


We rode out of Dunfermline and were in the countryside in no time. We reached Kinross on the banks of Loch Leven an hour or two later, and were torn. Do we go for the hipster coffee place - guaranteed great coffee but no real breakfast (small croissants) - or take a punt on a ‘proper’ cafe that was rammed with people and served a ‘Full Scottish’? No brainer; we opted for the latter! Right decision. Two humongous breakfasts later, and we were ready to hit the road.


Perth and getting our skates on


The route to Perth was rolling and increasingly rural. The mountains got bigger and bigger and the views more amazing. I really liked Perth. Clearly an old town, and the river area reminded me of places in France (the River Tay is wide at that point). We found an Italian cafe; great coffee and lovely cake. It was at this point that Dunny realised that we had to get our skates on to get to Pitlochry (over 30 miles away) to catch his train… otherwise he’d be with me in a very small tent! 


With this horrendous prospect hanging over me, we clobbered it to Pitlochry in double quick time without any breaks. We got there 30 minutes before I thought we would, so even had time to have a pint before he caught the train.


I have to say… I was a pleasure having Dunny ride with me for three days. He’s a much stronger rider than me and I appreciated him humouring my slower riding without complaint. Also, his patter was top class (by his low standards). I enjoyed his company, and even found the odd one of his many long anecdotes sort of interesting (ish). What a guy!!! Thank you my man! It was a pleasure and you really enhanced my trip!!!


Pitlochry and pressing on


What a fabulous and busy place Pitlochry is! Lots of great places to eat and drink, and packed with holiday makers. It was beautifully positioned in the valley with such great views; you can see why it’s so popular. Dunny hopped on the train and I… went to Co-op to buy provisions for the night… I had decided to wild camp. I’m writing this from my tent, in the dark in a field 17 miles away from Pitlochry, towards Avimore. I’m quite apprehensive to be honest, but I saw a few other wild campers… and this really has to be done!


I’ve had a Pot Noodle - courtesy of my camping cooker - and quite a lot of Austrian cheese. Here’s hoping that I don’t get trampled by a herd of Scottish deer in the middle of the night. Good night! 


The hotel in Dunfermline.

Moody skies, but we were very lucky with the weather.

Top of another climb!

“Full Scottish” for Dunny!

What am I like with road signs!

Back here in a few weeks perhaps?

Perth is a beautiful city. 

 “Dunny - stop! I want a photo!!”

At last… a small town!

Another amazing river. There lots of views like this.

Pitlochry one-quarter of a mile!

Heading towards Avimore.

Wild camping. Scary!!

Evening meal is served!




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