Yes; terrible forecast for the last weekend, but it was the only one available and we'd already said we'd visit a daughter near Alford.
Friday from home (near Newtonmore) was fine to Tomintoul via Feshiebridge, Coylumbridge and Nethybridge. Overnight at the community "Smugglers" hostel (formerly SYHA). Saturday was ghastly as forecast. It must have been South-easterly gale force plus up at the Lecht. The descent to Cockbridge was wild as gusts hit us side on. Fortunately there was no other traffic at this point. Unfortunately (or perhaps not) Mrs Fram's chain on her Specialised "Ruby" (Roubaix) broke so, as we were soaked and got very cold having stopped, we accepted our son-in-law's rescue service!
Sunday was also awful so we had a rest enjoying their hospitality.
On a much brighter (just showery) Monday we headed over to Deeside where we had reasonable shelter from the South-westerly until after Braemar. The haul up to Cairnwell ski centre against the wind was hard going though and it slowed us up on the exhilarating descent into Glenshee. It was good to get lower quickly as it had been cold outside the ski centre where they were expecting snow on the tops Monday night. We got some shelter at times on the way to Pitlochry but turned back into the wind above the town before joining the crowds, many of whom were going to "Enchanted Forest", which is a big draw just now.
Pitlochry Youth Hostel was busy, with several family parties, and a good stopover, well cared for and welcoming.
Yesterday (Tuesday) was cold into the North-westerly we now have after the depression, but clear and beautifully autumnal. After a dismal "coffee" at House of Bruar my first ever "Red Bull" at Dalwhinnie pumps shop was a welcome boost.
My Thorn Audax was a joy to ride: steady and fast; a tad heavier than Mrs Fram's carbon steed but soooo classy, and red.
Dalwhinnie Distillery has an open day on Friday so that's our next tour - whatever the weather!
