Sunday Run to Aberfeldy 1st July

Sunday started off dry as 4 cyclists Ron, Dave, Ian, and Norman set off for a run to Aberfeldy.
For a change we took a route up to main road to Kirrie before turning along the main road to Alyth and Blairgowrie. In a bit of welcome sunshine, the views up Strathmore were worth seeing from the high ground beteween Kirrie and Airlie. Once through Blair we again stayed on the main road to Dunkeld  and found the traffic to be quite light as we headed round past the 5 lochs then down by the Royal Dunkeld Golf Course. At the foot of the hill we opted for the road and cycle path to Ballinluig where we continued on by Logierait. After a few miles turned off along the back roads through Strathtay and Weem. Along this road, the skies opened and we had to shelter under the trees for 10 minutes while the worst blew over. From there it was only a few miles into Aberfeldy where we stopped for lunch at the Watermill restaurant and bookshop. After the break it was still raining a bit as we tackled the long climb up the Birks.

Ian and Norman after taking the jackets off, looking down at Aberfeldy

 Far too hot in the waterproofs so we stopped briefly to remove them before continuing to the summit.

Norman at the top of the Birks Climb

Dave at the top of the Birks

The long descent of Glen Cochill to Strathbran was welcome and when we turned towards Dunkeld the wind was more in our favour as we continued downhill for 10 miles or so. On the other side of Dunkeld the heavens opened again and being too late to don the waterproofs we got a good soaking as the breeze helped us along by Meikleour and on to Coupar Angus. Taking the back roads it rained again and we took some shelter and enjoyed some refreshment at the Ardler Tavern before heading home by Kirkinch and Balkeerie.