I’ve done a lovely 60-mile circular route around the Black Isle this morning. The weather looked a bit dodgy at first – despite promises of glorious sunshine, it was raining as I left Inverness – but it soon dried up and I spent the vast majority of the day in a T-shirt (with plenty of suncream on).
I love cycling on the Black Isle, which, as we always like to point out at work, is neither black nor an island. It’s a classic tourist brochure phrase that makes us chuckle every time! The views on the peninsula are fantastic, from the forests to the open views across the Moray Firth. I got a great aerial view of Fort George today, looking down from the road between Janefield and Cromarty.
There were plenty of other folk out and about on their bikes, too, which always makes me happy. I saw a family up at Learnie, a couple of guys with a trailer and panniers near Tore who I guess were on their way to John o’Groats and a number of cyclists on the Cromarty Firth side of the Black Isle.
It’s a joy that the spring has finally sprung and people are making the most of it. We bought a new tent when I got back to Inverness so we’ll be heading to Skye next weekend. We’ve not decided if it’s up a Cuillin or a spin on the bike but, either way, I’ll report back here!
John Davidson's Guide to Walking and Cycling in Inverness and the Highlands
I'm a journalist in Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland who specialises in the great outdoors - including walking, cycling and mountaineering. I write a regular Active Outdoors feature for the Inverness Courier as well as contributing to other publications, including leading hillwalking magazine TGO.
