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(8) The Far North West - Loch Eriboll and Loch Hope

Long distances here with few food stops - take some sandwiches!

After Durness the road zig zags past lovely beaches before turning south for the long haul round Loch Eriboll. The road on the west side of the loch is fairly flat for a change but it gets a bit hillier on the east side as you work your way north.

Choraidh Farm Park is half way along on the west side of the loch, it has a tea room (tea cup symbol on map). There are 40 different breeds of animal and a museum showing crofting life over 150 years. Possibly the home baking in the tea room might be your first priority.

When you leave Loch Eriboll there's another climb of course then a rapid descent to the River Hope. This river is only a mile long and connects Loch Hope to the sea. Here we turn right immediately after crossing the river, taking a minor road by the side of the loch.

Ben Hope, Scotland's most northerly Munro (mountain over 3000 feet) will be visible most of the time. Shortly after you leave the loch you will pass Dun Dornaigil Broch.

Brochs are 2000 year old fortified towers, generally built between 100BC and 100AD. It has been possible to date them exactly because sometimes Roman artifacts are found inside. The Romans conquered England but failed to subdue the Picts in Scotland. Obviously some trading took place. There is a theory that brochs were built as a defence against Roman slave ships.

Shortly after the broch there is a dirt road connecting to the A838 just north of Loch Shin by way of Gobernuisgach Lodge. A locked gate at its south end prevents its use by cars, but this of course is no impediment to mountain bikers or walkers. (Not part of the main route)

When this route joins the A836 east of Loch Meadie it meets National Cycle Route 1 again. From here you can follow the Route 1 cycle signs south; this will lead you eventually to Culrain.

Link to the Final Section of the route

Features:

• Full Day Ride
• Non-Circular Route
• Route By Loch
• Route By Sea
• Route To Link Up With Others
• Youth Hostel / Bunkhouse Nearby

Additional Features:

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