Day 3: July 6th. Helmsdale to Tain 36.2miles Total 120.25 miles

The weather is foul today - mizzly rain.  Mabli wanted to nip out for a pee at some ungodly hour, so I found myself wandering around Helmsdale at 6am taking pics.   Lovely stay at the hotel: one can always tell the quality of the hotel by its sausages. The sausage for breakfast was excellent - as was the toast, fried egg, beans, tomato and bacon. I had black pudding as well - but Mabli will have to tell you how that was. The room was comfortable and everything got charged (bike battery, phone, power packs etc). Dog friendly AND cheap!
Met another couple at breakfast time who were travelling up to the Orkneys with their son and their two dogs... they live not so far from Neil Paice and Sue - close to PortPatrick in D&G (small world).

I felt tired and heavy when I set out. No doubt because Mabli had tried waking me at 3am, 5am and finally 6am (when I gave in and got up to take her out because she hadn't done her business when I took her out last thing at night). The road was undulating - but no huge hills - I was following the places I'd passed through on the train just days ago.   The views over the coastline have been stunning. I even spotted a deer masquerading as a sheep. Wasn't as shy as Devon deer either as it didn't scarper as soon as i reached for the camera.

I was quite impressed that the tiredness and heaviness disappeared quite quickly, once I'd got moving. 11 miles up the road from Helmsdale and stopped for a second breakfast at Brora.   I've had a milkshake AND tea - and Mabli shared the cream.   The cafe let me charge the bike battery while I was there too.

The bloke who's route I'm following reckons the A9 isn't busy this far North. Boll**** to that, I say. I'd have to pull in to a driveway occasionally to let the tail back I'd caused go past! There was a continual roar of traffic both ways, and the wind too.

Passed Dunrobin Castle and hissed at the memory of the Cruel Duke of Sutherland (who's family still live there?). Arrived at the Tain Glamping at just after 3pm. Expensive because it's designed to accommodate two - It's a converted shipping container and I'm very comfortable and happy to hole up here for tonight.  Looking back - this was THE most expensive place I stayed.  The glamping site is set in behind a beautiful old mill building - which would be lovely in any OTHER setting than a tatty Industrial Estate on the outskirts of Tain. I took Mabs to the beach which is only 5mins down the road but not visible from the glamping site - lots of grass to run around on, but the tide was out, leaving mud. The heavens opened while I nipped in Tesco - Mabli was in the foyer waiting for me - and she barked a lot. Thank goodness the downpour didn't happen while I was cycling - it was a deluge.  Fortune favours me as there were several really heavy downpours on this 5 week adventure and I managed to miss EVERY single one of them.  I got wet - but standing out in this would have been the equivalent of standing in a power shower.   

Got a tv dinner! Indian meal for one, heated in the microwave, with a side salad and dressing. I'm now sat here, playing with the gopro app and writing up the day.  Better weather tomorrow - and the first night I haven't booked accommodation. Looked on line and phoned up Netherton Farm B&B in Culbokie, Dingwall. Tiz dog friendly and has good reviews so booked in there. It's only 22miles away, so can take it easy.     From now on, I can go as slow or as fast as i like....