Today was a departure from the norm; I drove to the start of my ride. I usually like to keep life simple by using my bike for the whole route. Not having a car is also a consideration. Even when I did have one it’s just too much of a complication. I headed for Loch Doon; I couldn’t come to Scotland and not visit one. 

As is the case around here, it was stunning.

I parked in Dalmellington; not thinking there would be parking closer to the trail. In fact there is, with a cafe as well.

It was only a few miles on the road, as I turned onto the approach road the scenery opened up. I then realised I’d made a schoolboy error; leaving my food and water bottle behind. It wasn’t very hot and I anticipated it would only be a few hours until my return so I pressed on.

It was smooth tarmac until well past the cafe with the loch on my left.

There is a castle as well as a few houses. It must be incredible to live with these views.

The gravel finally started as I turned away from the loch. 

As I rounded a bend in the road and came across a female deer and two fawns. They adopted different stratagies on reaction. I slowed just in case the still one made a break for it in front of me. It did eventually run, but well away from me, and then disappeared.

Incredibly privaliged to see them.

It’s fed by many rivers, many small bridges cross them.

IThere are many lochs in the area, the next one was much smaller; Loch Riecawr was next. The Kona took the surface in it’s stride, maybe it’ll be treated to some TLC at Ross Cycles when I get home.

The next loch was Brandan. I hadn’t realised I’d been climbing steadily for a few miles. When I returned to tarmac there was a long, winding, fast decent into Straiton. And then just when I didn’t need it another steep climb started. It was the end of the school day, so this road was the busiest of the day. None of the drivers changed my view of the locals. All of them waited until they could pass me with plenty of room. I finally made it to the top and there followed another fast plunge along a smooth, well surfaced road. Only a few miles to go.

Packed the bike into the van, ate and drank what had been left behind and headed home.

Another great day, this one had been suggested to me by a local through a connection I made on Facebook. Social media has it’s good side.