We dined on scrambled eggs and rolls we had purchased the previous day, sunk plenty of tea and coffee, then checked the bikes. Richard had taken a fall on the way across and we needed to check the damage. It didn't look good. The hanger on the rear deraillier was definitely not vertical. With limited knowledge we tried to effect a repair but could not set this right. Inverness was only 15 odd miles away but this was going to make for a long slow ride till we could get the bike to a workshop.
packed and loaded we made our way back along the foreshore till we came to the turn off up the hill. Decision was simple, that's a steep gradient; get off and push. We made our way up and almost out the village before the slope levelled off enough to try cycling again. gingerly but with gaining confidence in the Richard's bike we made our way along the coast road to Avoch. With the stone sea wall to the left and rising hill to our right we made reasonable progress. Richard noticed that he was spending more time concentrating on the pedals and bicycle than anything else, including traffic.
We knew we would cross the Moray Firth at the Kessock bridge, which on the North side landed high above the shore line so the series of gentle but persistent inclines were to be expected. We pedalled on, in the lower gear range, determined not to let this beat us. As we made our way up one that seemed to go on for ever we decided to call a break at the Munlochy turn off. This was fortunate as it had a bench to sit at and gave us a chance to clear our heads again. 
Tea break at the Munlochy turn off, Munlochy Firth in the miground.
Refreshed something caught our eye. beyond the village vehicles were climbing what looked like an incredible gradient. Vehicles that had just passed us. Quickly consulting the map we could not be sure if that was our route or we turn off before. We had no option, we would have to descend into the village and see what happens. It was a good free ride down, then we followed the bends through the houses and saw the sign. The cycle route turned off before hand. we would travel further to reach the bridge but the climb would be easier. Following the back road we passed the black brewery, but feltinclined not to stop. We moved ever closer to the bridge but from the North side there is no grand approach. Hidden by hills and flora you would only see the bridge when you turned upon it.
Lunch time was upon us so we dropped into North Kessock. Following the signs down to the shore.
We found a place called 'The White Cottage Tea House', serving more than just tea & cakes. We both opted for the special, Haddock dinner, which turned out to be a good deal for the money. It also turned out later to be a wise decision food wise.
Remounting our bikes we pedalled along the foreshore to find the connecting path to the bridge some 200 feet above us. With some local help we found it and then started to push the fully loaded bikes up an incline that would be more at home with block and tackle. After a good five minute struggle, helped along by the local trash cart chasing us up we crested the road and remounted, to read a sign about an obstruction on the bridge and 'cyclists dismount'. So we walked across the bridge.
Kessock Bridge as seen from the South (Inverness) side.
The other side was easy. remount, glide downhill, watch for the signs. These led us through an industrial estate, but something went wrong. Either the signs were put up wrong or the locals were having fun as we found ourselves going round into a dead end facing the bridge again. Retracing our steps we followed the original road till we found confirmation in another sign. The signs led us on towards the town centre, where we found a bicycle shop. Explaining our plight we were told that the shop was already inundated with back orders. This was to be a portent of our time here.
Hidden in the industrial Estate Cromwell's citadel.
Making our way into town we found the tourist information centre to locate Accommodation. We had the tent but Richard really needed four solid walls and a roof to shut the world out and download his brain. After 20 minutes they could find none available. we enquired about what was on but told nothing, it was just Summer. Our only hope was not all places registered and therefore ask around.
We asked at the Railway station about transport. we could get tickets but could not get reservations for the bikes. We were not about to leave our trusty bikes behind.
We sat and had a coffee. It was a good job we had eaten a proper meal.
Challenge Accepted!
Inverness Castle
As we started to make our way towards the edge of town campsite we stopped at every hotel and B&B to enquire about rooms but all were full. At one last turning we looked along the signs, solicitors, graphic designers, so & so's but 1 sign in the distance got Richards attention. Couldn't be read from where we were so Richard cycled gently up the road to read. It was a B&B. Ringing the doorbell, to be met by a diminutive but well proportioned granny, yes they had a room. It wasn't ensuite as such but it didn't matter, it was sanctuary.
We dropped the panniers, stored the bikes in the high walled garden and got showered and refreshed. We then started to ring the telephone numbers we had for bike shops but were running into the same problem as the Accomadation. Sorry, fully booked, behind schedule, not for a few days yet. Time was moving on so we left to find something to eat. Italian, yes it was a chain but we were not fussy at that point.
And slowly a plan came together.
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