The ride was billed to be a repeat of last year’s popular route from Dunkeld to Strathardle via Pitlochry, Kirkmichael and Blairgowrie. The idea was to ride in reverse, via Pitlochry, although this would entail a steep climb up to Strathardle.

However, in view of the fact that the route is longer than our normal, and later in the year, leader Robert Gunn proposed that we change the route to a circular ride to Blair Atholl.  Twelve riders set out from Dunkeld, after a couple of call-offs because of mechanical failure. When we reached the decision point at the road leading to Edradour, the group split exactly in two, with a leader for each.

The group heading for Blair Atholl made an early cafe stop at Escape Route in Pitlochry. There were loops to Blair Atholl via the footbridge at Loch Faskally and Faskally Woods. Then the route crossed the River Garry at Killicrankie and followed the west bank of the river all the way to the footbridge at Blair Atholl. Another stop for soup at the Watermill, then a buzz home via NCN7 and 77, the only other blip being the need to scramble over a landslip north of Dunkeld House hotel.

The group who chose the original Strathardle route found the initial climb quite tough, but enjoyed Strathardle, taking an alternative loop through Kindrogan Woods. There was a blip at Kirkmichael Cafe. It seems the shop shuts at 2:30, but the cafe closes at 1:30 and the assistant refused to serve even teas and coffees.  The group buzzed to Blairgowrie for a welcome break at Starbucks.  Perhaps we should not make a habit of splitting the group like this, but in the event it
worked out well and both groups enjoyed their day out.
Report from Katharine Melville