A heavy downpour just before 9 cooled the air down a wee bit. Five headed out of the leisure centre up to the trafic lights where we met Dave and we turned for Brechin. The wind was behind us so we got a nice blow all the way.
The sun was shining by the time we stopped in Edzell to pick up some lunch. Ron turned for home and the rest of us made our way up Glen Esk stopping for a coffee at The Retreat with the wind still slightly behind us.
The road was quite busy as we continued up to Tarfside turning left to Loch Lee, the car park at the end of the road was full and a fair smattering of mountain bikers. As we got to the rough track Charlie decided he had had enough and was going to stop for his lunch, the rest of us headed the 1/2 mile up to the old ruined church at the foot of the loch
Heading back down the Glen and into the wind you realise how much climbing was involved in getting up, we were past The Retreat before we knew it and in Edzell pretty quickly. Gus was struggling with his ribs so didn't fancy the big climb.
Glen Lethnot is a tough route back with three short warm up climbs before the main event which has a steep long section before easing out at the top and affording fantastic views on the way down.
At the bottom we turned right and headed to the Drovers where we met Gus who had met up with Charlie in Edzell and had company as far as the pub. It was a hot day and we were all in need of some rehydration, it was nice enough to sit outside. for an hour before heading back to Forfar.
