Sunday run to Dunkeld

It doesn't happen too often, but Sunday turned out to be a near perfect day for cycling. The day started slightly cool but the sun was breaking its way through the har as we set off into a gentle head wind. There were 8 of us to start with. Charlie, Norman, Jimmy, Ron, Gus, Dave H, Tom, and Ian. Mary had set off on her own to do a shorter run round by Newtyle. Once out of town we took the Bogside Road along to Meigle where we paused a while to let Ron mend a puncture.

Ron mends a puncture with Norman looking on. 

Once back going again we went up towards Alyth  then turned off along by Leitfie, where Jimmy turned off, and around by Aberbothrie to follow the farm road to the banks of the Ericht then over Kitty Sawnson's Bridge.  

Climbing over Kitty Swanson's Bridge

From there it was down the Bendochy road and over the crossroads to take the Dunkeld Road. Despite it being near lunchtime we managed to avoid the Lure of Meikleour and continued on by Spittalfield and Caputh  where Charlie and Ron turned off. Just before the descent into Dunkeld we took the back road that drops down sharply into the centre of the town. Being a glorious day we bought some grib from the shop and wandered down to the riverbank to relax in the sun and have lunch.

Relaxing at Dunkeld

Continuing on through Birnam we found out that the Quaich, formerly Katy's Kitchen, appeared to be closed for good and looked like it was being absorbed into the garage. We left Birnam by the cycle path that takes you up by the station and long the A9 to the Bankfoot road. After the the gentle climb to Stare Dam we turned along by the Sawmill and on past Murthly, Kinclaven Bridge, and on to Coupar Angus. Crossing the main road at the park we then headed along by Ardler where feeling parched we stopped at the Tavern to slake our thirst. Could have stayed in their gardens all day, but had to leave eventually so we meandered around through Belmont and Kirkinch before enjoying a good run home by Newtyle and Glamis.

In the Beer Garden at Ardler

With the temperature still warm well into the evening, it has to go down as the best day for a long while.

The run on Wednesday Evening is to the Drovers at Memus.
The Next Sunday run, still leaving at 10 am is to St Cyrus.