Day 4. The day of the inclines.

Hello all B Road blog readers, Alex here. Well I've been tasked to write today's report so here goes. 

The day began bright and early at around 9 with the ever-present moaning of the local seagulls.  Personal opinion is that I preferred midges to their screeching.  Anyway back on track... We started the day with our usual meal of porridge with beautiful background scenery and only the occasional raindrops dampening the mood. 

Packing up for the day

The aim for the gents was to cycle to the Iona ferry at Fionnphort and the nearby campsite, where we would be staying. Only 39 miles today.

My task however was a tad more daunting. I set myself the challenge of clambering up the tallest hill on the island (Ben More). Standing at a mind boggling 966m it was no easy feat to try and attempt alone but I had my heart set on doing it.

And so our days began I left before the other two and arrived at the Ben More estate within 10 minutes of leaving the campsite. Looking up at the task ahead would put plenty people off and it nearly did the same to me but as the cloud covered the peak of the hill it didn't seem quite as tall as it truly was. 

As with most things it all begins with the first step and this was no different but this step was quickly followed by a backtrack to the car to make doubly sure that I had locked it. 

Once all checks were made the expedition could begin. Despite the odd rain shower the first section was quick and painless, bar the odd turned ankle. 

However when the lower cloud Base was reached the extent of the task ahead became clear. There was miles to go!  (or so it seemed)
After taking a few pictures and having a drink the conquest of the hill continued and this section brought it's own challenges. 

It was as if I was walking up a scree slope and it didn't help that I lost the official path. Things were looking grim and then the clouds surrounded me and caused new problems... 

After continuing the march for another 20 minutes  I found the path again but as if someone didn't want me to make it the wind upped to what seemed like a force 10, this meant that I had to lean at 45 degrees for the final assent. After meeting a kind chap named John I was spurred on to finish the climb. Reaching the top the views were less than spectacular as the clouds surrounded me so all I could see was the ground and then white. But I'd done it!

Cairn at the top was huge.

Still in the clouds

Made it!

 Now the route back down... As I found the last time I climbed, the route down is killer on the knees. 

This was no different, though the views were spectacular, the legs are hating me now. The sense of achievement won't leave me though for a long time.
Following the punishing descent I was thankful to be back in the car but having passed a group of lads just starting their ascent as I finished I have to think they are still up there as I write this.

The aim now was to meet the gents at the campsite just under 40 miles away on some of the most dangerous roads I've ever driven on... I still don't know what possessed me to join them on this trip.
When I arrived at the site an hour later all I wanted was a hot shower and bed but the thought of a pub meal and a beer kept me going and finally as I write this I have finished my victory beer watching the other two try and throw darts. I'd call today a success. Wouldn't you?

Thanks again for listening to my ramblings, Alex out