Last week, as the weather forecast was for sunshine, I took the train North for two days on the west coast of Scotland. It was very cold further inland, but mostly around freezing on the coast. I deliberately planned a route to mostly stick to sea level and roads that were likely to have been gritted. Prior to leaving I had hoped to start at Glenfinnan, take a gravel road along Lock Shiel and then a small tarmac road over a pass from Polloch to Strontian. Once the sun rose in the morning I realised that the height of the pass (1000ft) and a bit more overnight snow than expected meant that I considered that a little too adventurous, so I took the coast road from Glenfinnan to Strontian via Corran instead.
First day was Glenfinnan to Kilchoan (overnight in Tobormory). Second day was around Mull and then ferry/train back to Glasgow. About 65 miles a day. Road conditions were fine, there were a couple of very minor front wheel movements, but nothing particularly serious. Hotels were cheap. Very few (pretty much none) places open for coffee/snacks en route, so a flask and supplies were taken. I've cycled around here in the summer - it's lovely, but there's something very special about snow, sun and sea. Obviously only possible to do at very short notice due to the importance of the weather, but it was a magical couple of days. No other cyclists, and only a couple of walkers encountered from start to finish.
I only really started cycle touring after digging a bike out of the shed during covid, and I have to say, it's really been a wonderful thing.
