Perth, Pitlochry, Blair Atholl

Kirklands Hotel was very quiet at breakfast.  The morning was bright and still.   I recovered the bike from the garage and duly packed it up.  There is is a fair bit of weight in the panniers even though I am travelling as light as possible. It all has to be pushed up the hills.    Managed to get on the road at 08.30 on set off in search of Perth.  Good time made and before long and with a few downhill sections I steamed into Perth.   The A9 road is the main artery through the highlands to Inverness, in fact it goes all the way to the top of the mainland at Thurso.   Over the last few years the UK Network of cycle ways has been established and sign posted.   Whilst a great idea it is pointless having a network which is not only signed for locals with some regional knowledge but the whole route needs to be clear enough to keep visitors on track, so to speak.  

Next to the A9 is a cycle way  which is excellent but at certain junctions it is easy to lose the directed way and one is back on the busy and potentially dangerous A9.   I covered a good number of miles on the track and at one point was cycling by the River Tay and at another through bluebell woods.  

The noise levels on the main road are so loud on the bike and it is with some relief that you travel through such wonderful scenery. Between the two main towns on my route I stopped for my lunch at a craft centre and cafe.   Quite the most miserable people I have met in Scotland. The place was nearly empty and that was no surprise.  However Pitlochry was. A pleasant highland town but on such bright a sunny day it was full of visitors including myself.    If only you could get rid of the tourists.  I stopped for refreshments and for the first time bought some postcards.  I do not seem to have had the time before now.  It was early afternoon and I only had a few more miles to Blair Atholl.    I eventually pushed the bike into this large village, small  town just before 16.00   One or two B&B but I peddled on a little way till I caught sight of the Atholl Arms Hotel just past the entrance to Blair Castle, not the home of Tony!      I had covered 57 miles.  Total mileage to date is 766   Average 63.8 miles.  I feel I will not get back up into the seventies again on this trip.    The end is coming into sight. Many a slip...... 

The Atholl Arms Hotel is a large highland hotel from a different age.  I managed to get a good deal on a room for the night with a bath.  The bath has become an essential facility.    Big hotel but tiny rooms.  There was not enough space to swing that poor old cat!   In fact so cramped you could not walk freely around the bed. I would cope.  It was a place to stay.    Managed a good rest and a snooze.  I booked dinner in the restaurant for 20.00  or as the hotel refer to it, the baronial hall.   When I booked the receptionist warned me I would be the only person dining there.  Not a problem.

As it turned out when I eventually presented myself for dinner the old major had also taken his seat. Basil was rushed off his feet looking after us both.   I was not wearing shoes as the trainers I, my only footwearfor the ride, are starting to smell a little and I did not wish to spoil in anyway the anticipated  ambience of the boranial hall.  Basil enquired " Will you be alright there in your sockies?"   Somehow I picked up that he did not approve.  I enjoyed the slected starter, smoked haddock compot. For the main course I had opted for the pork.    I now wish I had gone  again for the sea bass.  It simply proved impossible to cut the meat with the cutlery provided.  Even if you had managed to cut the meat into a bite size chunk then the effort to chew it would have been too much.  You will be pleased to know that I did not send it back or look for an alternative.    I did not wish to offend the chef but then nor did I wish to be on the receiving end of any revenge. I exchanged a few pleasantries with the major and then retreated to the hotel lobby, also deserted, to make a few calls and pick up the wifi.   The receptionist informed me they had no plans to put wifi in the rooms. Now that is a forward looking policy. I did tell her that I thought they would have to review that decision.    Must look this place up on Trip Advisor.  Back to my room for  bed and much needed sleep.   Being so much further north it is possible to appreciate how late it stays light.  It did not keep me awake.