Day 9 and I'm on the 5th stage of Royston Wood's 18 stage route and reached Perth today. Having camped on the recreation ground last night - I thought I was probably in need of a shower, so I've booked into the Salutation Hotel (one of the Strathmore chain hotels). Dog friendly, but charged £15 cleaning surcharge, on what would have otherwise been quite reasonable for an ensuite single room. 290.93miles completed - but a couple of those miles today, were spent looking for an alternative route to make up for road works blocking all the cycle paths. They are building a HEUUWJ bridge over the River Tay - and it looks like something out of a Sci-fi movie - nearly constructed but a chunk missing... What a feat of engineering! I ended up going completely off road (after being directed by a local - the only other option being the A9 - no thanks!) and following a footpath alongside the River Tay. Couldn't go very fast - and Mabs loved it.
Starting out from Pitlochry was a little like following a Devon lane - much more agricultural surroundings and narrow, undulating route. I can tell I'm leaving the Highlands behind (sniff!) and entering the lowlands of Scotland (comparatively speaking).
This evening - treated myself to a pint of 6X in a rather lovely pub (if one ignores the two telly screens showing golf and tennis respectively) called 'The Old Ship'. Went in search of an evening meal and made the mistake of plumping for a place that had favourable google reviews and was dog friendly. It was overpriced fast food - pretty bland and greasy. Disappointing as the young staff were really friendly.
Mabli hops quite readily into her 'carriage' now, and lies down, even with the doors unzipped. It was SO warm today - she enjoyed the breeze. She has probably run about a third of the total distance, this past week - all these new experiences? She's pooped. I'm pretty tired too.
Yesterday's ride through Drumochter Pass has to be my all time favourite - lovely weather, a huge chunk of down hill and fabulous views - to feed the soul! And - did I see an Eagle? Probably not - having discussed later with a knowledgeable friend, it was likely a Honey Buzzard (larger than the English version)
Starting out from Pitlochry was a little like following a Devon lane - much more agricultural surroundings and narrow, undulating route. I can tell I'm leaving the Highlands behind (sniff!) and entering the lowlands of Scotland (comparatively speaking).
This evening - treated myself to a pint of 6X in a rather lovely pub (if one ignores the two telly screens showing golf and tennis respectively) called 'The Old Ship'. Went in search of an evening meal and made the mistake of plumping for a place that had favourable google reviews and was dog friendly. It was overpriced fast food - pretty bland and greasy. Disappointing as the young staff were really friendly.
Mabli hops quite readily into her 'carriage' now, and lies down, even with the doors unzipped. It was SO warm today - she enjoyed the breeze. She has probably run about a third of the total distance, this past week - all these new experiences? She's pooped. I'm pretty tired too.
Yesterday's ride through Drumochter Pass has to be my all time favourite - lovely weather, a huge chunk of down hill and fabulous views - to feed the soul! And - did I see an Eagle? Probably not - having discussed later with a knowledgeable friend, it was likely a Honey Buzzard (larger than the English version)
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