Prologue

Prologue

Start: Skye or Ft William

Finish: Montrose

Distance: 270 miles

Here we go................. Skye to Montrose over 5 days, 270 miles (assuming we don’t get lost) and for the sake of argument lots of mountains since we haven't worked out the elevations.

Three slightly unfit, nearly 40 (+/-1yr) attempting what it considered as one of the most challenging MTB routes in the UK. A route based on Tim Woodcock's classic Coast to Coast mountain bike ride. We have modified it in order to condense the “experience” to five days.

Team members (and current friends):

Simon Croft-Baker

Jason Ash

Charlie Thomas

We are unsupported but are staying in comfort each evening. That means soft bed, warm food and no doubt a few single malts along the way.

As I write this there is current a significant weather warning in the Western Highlands.

Translated into words this is what it looks like:

"Westerly 40 mph gust 60 mph with occasional gusts to 70 mph across the far north at first. Winds easing a little in the afternoon." (thank you Met Office)

Weather is something we will contend with once we are in the highlands. We are 100% sure on rain however.

The intended journey / profile is as follows.

Day 1

Skye (Kyle of Lochash) to Glenelg

Day 2

Glenelg to Fort Augustus

Day 3

Fort Augustus to Aviemore

Day 4

Aviemore to Ballater

Day 5

Ballater to Montrose