Journey to the start line

We both slept reasonably well at the Holiday Inn in Hamilton. Google Maps suggested it will take 3 hours to drive to Inverness where we had arranged lunch with friends. I woke up early and thought about an earlier planned departure and Joe agreed. Good job he did as it took 5 hours!!!!! The drive past Loch Lomand was stunning and the climb into the highlands was awesome. The descent down into Glen Coe was incredible. We did not see the summits of any of the mountains as the cloud base was low. I must admit I was and am still slightly apprehensive about the climb out of Glen Coe Village to the summit as it is a long fairly steep climb. We drove like madmen to make the lunch which was a shame as a slower drive would have been perfect. I guess as we ride through the area we will be able to enjoy. We have arrived safely at John O Groats, within 1 minute of jumping out of the van (that the driver thought was modified - See photo- Joe was embarrassed to be seen in it!!), the mozzies where around like the plague. The B&B is comfortable, and even better the landlord has agreed to drive us to the pub - nice one.