Tour: Scottish Highlands and Islands
Day 1 Home to Loch Lomond
Sunny
18 Participants:
Neil Ault, Jonathan Burgess, Arthur Caulfield, Ben Collins, Nick Green (11, Henley-on-Thames), Paul Hardman (15, Wigan), Michael Jones, Rufus Kahler, Anthony Long (15, Orpington), Matthew Muir, Matthew Pryer, Zachary Slatter, Paul Smith, Richard Sudworth, Robert Walker, Dan Whittle, Lukas Wooller, Tristan Wooller
This year's summer junior tour attracted eighteen participants from around the country. Only Robert Walker joined Michael and Neil from our Section.
The tour started with a train journey to Glasgow. Actually five separate trains were booked to bring all the participants to Glasgow without exceeding British Rail's limit of four bikes per train. When all eighteen had arrived (about 5.45pm) we took another train to Balloch and then rode the two miles to Loch Lomond youth hostel in glorious sunshine. The hostel is enormous, with four floors, 200 beds and magnificent grounds.
Eighteen bikes and riders on the train from Glasgow to Balloch
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
A snapshot taken from a small section of surviving master footage for this day on the train from Glasgow Queen Street to Balloch Central
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
The driveway to Loch Lomond YH
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Loch Lomond YH
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Scenic views to Loch Lomond from our dormitory window
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Matthew Pryer, preparing his surprise meal in the hostel kitchen
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Jon Burgess enjoying his evening meal
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Matthew Pryer opens his box of - chocolate spread
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Official tour video for today's ride - 2021 Full Remaster
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Extract from original tour video, included only for quality comparison with latest edit
Friday 6 August 1993
Tour: Scottish Highlands and Islands
Day 2 Loch Lomond to Crianlarich
Wet
32 miles
18 Participants:
Neil Ault, Jonathan Burgess, Arthur Caulfield, Ben Collins, Nick Green, Paul Hardman, Michael Jones, Rufus Kahler, Anthony Long, Matthew Muir, Matthew Pryer, Zachary Slatter, Paul Smith, Richard Sudworth, Robert Walker, Dan Whittle, Lukas Wooller, Tristan Wooller
On Friday the rain began. It rained all day. We were delayed along the way to Arrochar by a French woman leading a group of French boys on hired bikes: first she needed some ideas regarding the best place to take them in the rain, and then her rear wheel collapsed and required some work with a spoke key.
From Arrochar we booked a ferry trip around the loch and then rode the last few miles to Crianlarich hostel. It was still raining as we arrived, so the rest of the evening was spent queuing for showers and playing an 18-player card league. One of the showers was labelled (or plumbed) back to front: you had to turn the control to cold to get hot water!
Taking the bikes to the cruise boat waiting for us on Tarbet Pier
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Boarding the cruise boat Lomond Princess at Tarbet Pier
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Loading our cruise boat at Tarbet Pier
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Ben Collins chats on Tarbet Pier while the final bikes are loaded and secured, with Neil and Anthony behind
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Staying dry below deck on the Lomond Princess
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Below deck on the cruise boat
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Passing Tarbet Isle in Loch Lomond on the Lomond Princess
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Jon and Paul dangle Richard's bag outside the lower deck window - and get Richard's immediate attention!
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Ben Collins, insisting on giving his interview
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Official video of today's ride - 2021 Full Remaster
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Original video of today's ride, extracted from original tour video, included only for quality comparison with latest edit
Saturday 7 August 1993
Tour: Scottish Highlands and Islands
Day 3 Crianlarich to Glen Nevis
Wet start, drier later
18 Participants:
Neil Ault, Jonathan Burgess, Arthur Caulfield, Ben Collins, Nick Green, Paul Hardman, Michael Jones, Rufus Kahler, Anthony Long, Matthew Muir, Matthew Pryer, Zachary Slatter, Paul Smith, Richard Sudworth, Robert Walker, Dan Whittle, Lukas Wooller, Tristan Wooller
Saturday required us to get to Fort William by lunchtime. We planned to use the scenic rail route that crosses Rannoch Moor, but the train can't take more than two bikes. We had therefore arranged for a van to meet us at Upper Tyndrum station and take Jon, Neil and the bikes to Fort William by road. We had rain to contend with again, but once we were on the train the skies began to brighten up.
After lunch in Fort William we rode the few miles to Glen Nevis hostel, moved into our dormitories and then set about climbing Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. It was two hours before we hit the cloud level and decided to head back for supper.
Crianlarich youth hostel
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Upper Tyndrum station - without the bikes
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Tristan Wooller, on the train to Fort William
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Nick Green, map-reading on the train to Fort William
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Anthony Long
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Anthony Long and Paul Smith, enjoying the views of Rannoch Moor from the train to Fort William
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Loch Traig, in the remote Rannoch Moor, as seen from the train
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
The group assembled in Fort William - snapshot taken from a section of surviving master camcorder footage
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Richard Burgess and Jon Burgess outside Nevisport at Fort William - snapshot taken from a section of surviving master camcorder footage
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Richard Sudworth and Jon Burgess perform a unique bike dance at Fort William
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Zack Slatter at Fort William
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Arriving at Glen Nevis youth hostel
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Beginning the climb of Ben Nevis from the path outside the hostel
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Richard Sudworth on Ben Nevis
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Lukas performs his advertisement for Hoola Hoops .. ."Be like me .. Eat Hoola Hoops"
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Lukas Wooller on Ben Nevis
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Lukas leads the pack on Ben Nevis
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
A well earned rest on the surprisingly tiring descent
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Official video of today's ride - 2021 Full Remaster
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Extract from original tour video, included only for quality comparison with new edit
Sunday 8 August 1993
Tour: Scottish Highlands and Islands
Day 4 Glen Nevis to Garramore
Raining all day
41 miles (▲ 335m ▼ 330m)
18 Participants:
Neil Ault, Jonathan Burgess, Arthur Caulfield, Ben Collins, Nick Green, Paul Hardman, Michael Jones, Rufus Kahler, Anthony Long, Matthew Muir, Matthew Pryer, Zachary Slatter, Paul Smith, Richard Sudworth, Robert Walker, Dan Whittle, Lukas Wooller, Tristan Wooller
Sunday's ride took us along the Road to the Isles as far as Garramore hostel. It started raining just after we left Fort William and didn't stop until ten minutes before we reached the hostel! Glenfinnan monument, which should have been a pleasant lunch stop, could only offer a snack bar and billions of biting midges. The lochs and mountains didn't look their best in the rain!
The silver sand beaches near the hostel made up for the miserable weather to a certain extent: magnificent unspoiled stretches of coast with glorious sand dunes kept us amused for an hour.
When we returned to the hostel for supper we discovered that the warden still enjoyed bossing children around: she refused point blank to give change for any notes, even though there was an enormous glass jar filled with donations on the reception desk. Consequently, many of the youngsters couldn't buy chocolate, wash their clothes or make telephone calls. The second problem was that the drying room heater was broken, so our clothes remained wet through the night.
Preparing to leave Glen Nevis YH
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Glenfinnan Monument - spoiled today by rain and midges
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
The group takes shelter from the rain in the Lochailort bus shelter
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Making the best of a wet day in the Lochailort bus shelter
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
A wet and bedraggled group near Beasdale Bridge
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Wet but still smiling
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Garramore YH - not child-friendly!
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Camusdarrach Beach, a short walk from the hostel
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Lukas Wooller takes flight off the top of the sand dunes at Camusdarach Beach
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Paul and Lukas enjoy the sand dunes at Camusdarach Beach
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Paul and Richard leave our mark on the sand at Camusdarach Beach
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Richard Sudworth struggles against the inevitable
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Matthew Muir tries to escape
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
A friendly donkey gets our attention on the walk back to the hostel
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Paul Smith carries Jon Burgess back to the hostel - as he has no shoes!
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Supper at Garramore YH
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Official video of today's ride - 2021 Full Remaster
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Extract from original tour video, copied from videotape, included only for quality comparison with latest edit
Monday 9 August 1993
Tour: Scottish Highlands and Islands
Day 5 Garramore to Raasay
Wet start, dry but windy later
39 miles (▲ 465m ▼ 390m)
18 Participants:
Neil Ault, Jonathan Burgess, Arthur Caulfield, Ben Collins, Nick Green, Paul Hardman, Michael Jones, Rufus Kahler, Anthony Long, Matthew Muir, Matthew Pryer, Zachary Slatter, Paul Smith, Richard Sudworth, Robert Walker, Dan Whittle, Lukas Wooller, Tristan Wooller
On Monday morning ... it was raining again. We had to catch the 1045 ferry from Mallaig to the Isle of Skye, so we had to get wet. The cafeteria on the boat was somewhat crowded, but at least it was warm. When we disembarked half an hour later the rain had stopped, and the ride around the island was a much happier affair than it might have been. A stiffening headwind made the final leg to Sconser somewhat difficult, but we managed to arrive a few minutes before the departure of the last ferry to the Isle of Raasay.
The hostel on Raasay is just a few miles' climb from the ferry terminal. The views across the Sound to Skye were spectacular, and the cosy common room in the hostel helped make this one of the best hostels on the tour.
Ben Collins & Nick Green in the crowded Mallaig ferry café
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Neil Ault, Richard Sudworth and Lukas Wooller
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Paul Hardman, Anthony Long and Dan Whittle
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
The Isle of Skye
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
The Cuillin Hlls on the Isle of Skye
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Tristan Wooller decides on a new hat in the Pipers Moon cafe at Luib, Isle of Skye
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Lukas Wooller & Paul Hardman in the Pipers Moon café
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
The road to Sconser, Isle of Skye, with Raasay in the distance
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
The ferry arrives at the Isle of Raasay
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
The road to Raasay hostel
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
The youngsters enjoy the cosy common room at Raasay youth hostel
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Paul Hardman gives his interview in the Common Room at Raasay youth hostel
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Richard Sudworth gives his interview
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Matthew Muir at Raasay youth hostel
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Matthew Pryer gives his interview
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Tristan Wooller does his interview at Raasay youth hostel
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Lukas Wooller at Raasay youth hostel
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Official video taken during the day - 2021 Full Remaster
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Extract from original tour video, copied from videotape, included only for quality comparison with latest edit
Tuesday 10 August 1993
Tour: Scottish Highlands and Islands
Day 6 Raasay to Applecross
Mainly dry with sunny intervals
68 miles (▲ 1410m ▼ 1495m)
18 Participants:
Neil Ault, Jonathan Burgess, Arthur Caulfield, Ben Collins, Nick Green, Paul Hardman, Michael Jones, Rufus Kahler, Anthony Long, Matthew Muir, Matthew Pryer, Zachary Slatter, Paul Smith, Richard Sudworth, Robert Walker, Dan Whittle, Lukas Wooller, Tristan Wooller
On Tuesday the mileage was supposed to be 48 miles, but in fact Michael had copied a misprint from some previous tour: the true mileage was nearer 72 miles! We managed to get back to Skye and down to Kyleakin by late morning, and enjoyed an early lunch when we reached Kyle on the mainland. An unscheduled detour to Plockton didn't help us, caused by the leading riders taking a wrong turning, and when we had ridden around Loch Carron it was late afternoon. We still had to climb the highest road in mainland Britain to reach Applecross, and supper was due to be served at the campsite there at about 7pm.
We rolled in about an hour late, at 8pm, and the food was very, very welcome. All that remained was to ride to our four bed and breakfasts and enjoy a touch of luxury until morning.
We stayed with Mrs Dickens, Bracken Hill, Camusterrach; Mrs Edwards, 1 Burnside, Applecross; Mrs Fergusson, Milltown, Applecross and Mrs Gillies, Camusterrach, Applecross.
Outside Raasay youth hostel
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Spectacular views from the hostel across the Sound of Raasay to Skye
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Boarding the ferry for Kyle at Kyleakin, Isle of Skye
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
The group takes a snack break on the mainland
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Loch Carron as seen from sleepy Plockton
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Nick Green & Paul Hardman admire Loch Carron
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
The start of the big climb to the Pass of the Cattle
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Foothills of the climb - 60m above sea level
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
The long climb comes into view
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
The view back to road from the first hairpins at the top of the pass
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Matthew Pryer explains how an annoying driver told him to "hurry up" during the climb
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Paul Hardman takes drastic measures to keep warm at the top
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Lukas pours the tea at the Applecross camp site restaurant
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
The very welcome restaurant at Applecross campsite
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Hot drinks warm us up while the pizzas are cooked
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Pizzas finally arrive at the Applecross campsite
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Official video of today's ride - 2021 Full Remaster
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Extract from original tour video, copied from videotape, included only for quality comparison with latest edit
Wednesday 11 August 1993
Tour: Scottish Highlands and Islands
Day 7 Applecross to Torridon
Mainly dry
34 miles (▲ 500m ▼ 520m)
18 Participants:
Neil Ault, Jonathan Burgess, Arthur Caulfield, Ben Collins, Nick Green, Paul Hardman, Michael Jones, Rufus Kahler, Anthony Long, Matthew Muir, Matthew Pryer, Zachary Slatter, Paul Smith, Richard Sudworth, Robert Walker, Dan Whittle, Lukas Wooller, Tristan Wooller
Wednesday was altogether easier, taking us around the new coastal road from Applecross to Shieldaig, and then on to Torridon. We passed some deserted houses along the way that made us realise just how harsh the climate can be in these parts. Matthew Pryer had a problem with his Shimano freehub in that it freewheeled in both directions: he went on ahead with Paul and managed to get to the hostel just before us.
A luxurious breakfast with Mrs Edwards at 1 Burnside, Camusterrach, one of our four B&Bs
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
View to Mrs Fergusson's b&b in Milltown, from Camusterrach
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Lukas Wooller admires Mrs Fergusson's adorable cat outside her b&b in Milltown, Applecross
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Nick Green outside Mrs Fergusson's B&B
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Paul Hardman performs a ventrilo-quist act with Mrs Fergusson's cat - ably assisted by Paul Smith!
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Jon Burgess, Nick Green and Matthew Muir feed the friendly - but greedy - Applecross ducks
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Michael with the ducks opposite Mrs Fergusson's B&B
(Neil, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Applecross Post Office & general stores - the only shop for miles!
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
One of the abandoned properties at Lonbain
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Paul Smith surveys the damage to Matthew Pryer's freehub
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
The group rests within sight of Torridon
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Official video of today's ride - 2021 Full Remaster
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Extract from original tour video, copied from videotape, included only for quality comparison with latest edit
Thursday 12 August 1993
Tour: Scottish Highlands and Islands
Day 8 Torridon to Carn Dearg
Mainly dry with sunny intervals
32 miles (▲ 320m ▼ 320m)
18 Participants:
Neil Ault, Jonathan Burgess, Arthur Caulfield, Ben Collins, Nick Green, Paul Hardman, Michael Jones, Rufus Kahler, Anthony Long, Matthew Muir, Matthew Pryer, Zachary Slatter, Paul Smith, Richard Sudworth, Robert Walker, Dan Whittle, Lukas Wooller, Tristan Wooller
Thursday took us through the nature reserve to Loch Maree, where a number of foolhardy individuals tried to swim in the icy waters. By the time we reached Gairloch we had investigated an HEP station, a rope bridge and a swing overhanging a river - Jonathan Burgess got ever-so-slightly wet!
Robert Walker & Richard Sudworth entertain some youngsters at Torridon YH
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Everyone shelters in the hostel front porch where the warden's Secret Device does a great job at keeping the midges away
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
The warden's secret weapon against the midges, loaned to us while we waited in the porch. It gives off a mysterious vapour that the midges really don't like
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Avoiding the midges in the porch of Torridon youth hostel
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
The very modern Torridon youth hostel
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
The youngsters sing an original song to celebrate our entry into the Ben Eighe National Nature Reserve
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
The picture postcard setting of the jetty at Loch Maree
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Jon Burgess is the first to enter the icy waters - but he was out within 20 seconds!
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Tristan Wooller finally plucks up enough courage to get in the loch
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Investigating an unusual rope bridge across the river Kerry
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
We have arrived at A'Chruanalach, near Gairloch, where there just happens to be a rope swing over the river
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Jon Burgess tries his luck on the rope swing near Kerrysdale
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
The naughty youngsters refused to help him back to the bank
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Matthew Muir neglected to raise his legs before starting his swing
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Lukas remains dry on a daring swing
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Jon Burgess tries again - but slips off the rope at the far point of his swing! His wallet got every so slightly wet!
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Jon Burgess decides he is just too long for the swing, but finds a solution that only wets his hair
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Official video of today's ride - 2021 Full Remaster
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Extract from original tour video, copied from videotape, included only for quality comparison with latest edit
Friday 13 August 1993
Tour: Scottish Highlands and Islands
Day 9 Carn Dearg to Ullapool
Wet start, then dry but windy
42 miles (▲ 835m ▼ 820m)
18 Participants:
Neil Ault, Jonathan Burgess, Arthur Caulfield, Ben Collins, Nick Green, Paul Hardman, Michael Jones, Rufus Kahler, Anthony Long, Matthew Muir, Matthew Pryer, Zachary Slatter, Paul Smith, Richard Sudworth, Robert Walker, Dan Whittle, Lukas Wooller, Tristan Wooller
On Friday morning it was raining again, but things soon brightened up for our push to Ullapool. We decided to take the short cut over the hill to the privately-run ferry, even though they had told us by telephone that we might arrive too late for all of us to get across. Did they leave some of us on the beach overnight? Of course not, but we had to pay £4 each to get across in two loads!
A wet start at Carn Dearg youth hostel
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
A short break at Inverewe, 8.7 miles completed
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Rufus Kahler takes a break at Inverewe
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Matthew Pryer and Richard Sudworth race to catch the plastic bag in the strong wind
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Jon Burgess and Paul Smith with Gruinard Island beyond
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
The estuary at Dundonnell
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
The track at Dundonnell
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Paul Smith hates the mud on the Dundonnell track
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
The unusual footbridge that leads to the climb from Dundonnell
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Richard Sudworth at the top of the climb
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
First sight of Ullapool as we reach the top of the hill - just a track descent and a boat crossing of Little Loch Broom
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Waiting at the Altnaharrie ferry jetty
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Disembarking at Ullapool, on the other side of Little Loch Broom
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Lukas Wooller and Paul Hardman give a rendition of their specially-composed song "Cleaning Frenzy"
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Official video of today's ride - 2021 Full Remaster
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Extract from original tour video, copied from videotape
Saturday 14 August 1993
Tour: Scottish Highlands and Islands
Day 10 Ullapool to Achmelvich
Damp start, sunny later
34 miles (▲ 665m ▼ 665m)
18 Participants:
Neil Ault, Jonathan Burgess, Arthur Caulfield, Ben Collins, Nick Green, Paul Hardman, Michael Jones, Rufus Kahler, Anthony Long, Matthew Muir, Matthew Pryer, Zachary Slatter, Paul Smith, Richard Sudworth, Robert Walker, Dan Whittle, Lukas Wooller, Tristan Wooller
Saturday's ride from Ullapool to Lochinver was marked by occasional drizzle and dull skies, but the scenery was remote and beautiful. Achmelvich hostel is situated beside quiet silver-sand beaches, and the evening was definitely the best of the whole tour - you'll just have to see the video to understand.
11:37 Ullapool youth hostel, on a rather wet morning
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
11:37 View across Little Loch Broom from outside the youth hostel
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
14:23 Enard Bay, here seen from Michael's taxi although the group would be cycling through a little later
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
16:59 Nick Green carries his panniers up the path to Achmelvich YH
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
16:59 Our annexe dorm at Achmelvich YH
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
16:59 Achmelvich youth hostel
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
19:40 Heading for Achmelvich Beach, a short walk from the hostel
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
19:41 Paul Hardman plays his harmonica to complete the atmosphere for this most perfect evening of all evenings
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
19:41 Paul Hardman and Lukas Wooller march across the silver sand to the dreamy sound of the harmonica
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
19:48 Achmelvich Beach
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
19:56 Anthony Long, Paul Smith and Robert Walker play frisbee in the tranquil waters of this unspoiled beach
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Lukas Wooller, Ben Collins and Richard Sudworth exploring rock pools
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Just over the grassy hill, another perfect silver sand beach waiting to be explored by anyone who can find it
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Michael Jones is interviewed on camera by Paul Hardman
(Neil, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Dan Whittle does his best not to laugh during his interview
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Nick Green conducts his interview with dignity
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Rufus Kahler, evasive to the last, is finally caught and brought to the camera for his interview
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Jon Burgess hopes to return again next year as co-leader - if Michael will let him!
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Paul Hardman and Nick Green immerse themselves in a magnificent sunset on the most special beach in the world
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Official video of today's ride - 2021 Full Remaster
(Michael, Sony CCD-TR8E, Hi-8)
Extract from original tour video, copied from videotape, included only for quality comparison with latest edit