Day 16: June 2

Kinross to Bridge of Cally

63 km / 750 m

Travelling through rolling countryside we cycle through Perth passing the historic Scone Palace and on to Blairgowrie.  We are now in strawberry country - though not a traffic jam in sight!  Climbing out of Blairgowrie we head to the Bridge of Cally, where you will be staying this evening.

Well, it's getting to be that stage of the trip.  Not only do I not remember what this morning's ride was like, but as we rode into Perth a gentleman out walking his dog asked me where we came from today.  Hmmmm - there was a lake.  Only later did I recall the name of the town; Kinross.  But - another beautiful Scottish day.  Warm temps (into the high teens) and mostly sunny.  Nice....

We're still in the land of rolling hills and lots of agriculture.  As we rode away from Kinross, we had lovely views (looking into the sun, thus few photos) of two big hills on the other side of Loch Leven.  I'm guessing they were West Lomond (l) and Bishop Hill (r).  We rode through an area of recently planted trees - either a Christmas tree farm, or reforestation.  Although we haven't seen any clear cut logging for a while. 

Finally - we're up high enough that the lake comes into view.

We saw quite a bit of gorse today.  Gorse is a member of the pea family, and is native to the British Isles.  It certainly adds some nice colour to the landscape.

More miscellaneous views on our way to Perth and our tea break, where more Scottish treats awaited us.

We just rode around the edge of Perth.  It looks like an interesting city, though.  I may be back next week to visit with a friend.  And as with our Perth (Ontario) the River Tay passes through it.

I was looking forward to taking a little look-see at the grounds of the Scone Palace.  It was not to be, though; closed for a private function.  The Scone Palace was built in the 12th century and rebuilt in the early 1800s.  Scone was from at least the 9th century the crowning-place of the King of Scots and home to the Stone of Scone, more commonly referred to as the Stone of Destiny.  Kenneth MacAlpin (traditionally known as the first King of Scots), Shakespeare's Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, and Charles II number amongst the 42 kings of Scots inaugurated and crowned at Scone.  A replica of the Stone of Scone sits in front of a 17th-century chapel on the palace grounds.  The original stone is among the most prized treasures of Scotland.  In 1296, it was stolen by England.  Until 1996, when it was finally given back to Scotland, the stone resided at Westminster Abbey, where it reappeared for King Charles III's recent coronation.  After the coronation the original stone was returned to Edinburgh Castle.  

We were on a beautiful quiet road before finding our picnic lunch in the village of Blairgowrie.  

Shortly before our lunch stop we came to the Meikleour Beech Hedge - the longest hedge in Britain, and the highest hedge in the world!  It was planted in 1745.

Then - on to lunch. 

After lunch we had less than 5 miles to go.  

A short-ish day today (just because there is no other place to stay in the vicinity) and we were in to the hotel by about 2.  Check-in time was 3, though, so I took a look at the bridge and went for a short walk on the riverside trail.  There is one other building in "town", but sadly they were not open.

It was not a particularly long or hard day today, but my legs are feeling rather fatigued.  Big day tomorrow.  Hope it goes well.......

Bridge of Cally:

Population:  n/a

Bridge of Cally is a small village in Scotland.  It sits at the junction of three glens - Glenshee, Strathardle, and Glenericht - and is centred round the bridge over the River Ardle.  

Hotel:  Bridge of Cally Hotel   

The Bridge of Cally Hotel, located in the heart of Scotland near Blairgowrie, Perthshire is the ideal location to venture through unique areas of Perthshire countryside and Scotland.

The Hotel has 18 beautifully presented en-suite bedrooms with three luxury Superior Double Rooms some facing the bridge and rivers.

There are many activities on the doorstep of the Bridge of Cally such as golf, fishing, shooting, stalking, mountain biking and walking. (The Cateran walking trail goes by the side of the hotel). The Glenshee ski centre is only 20 minutes away and there is a number of great outdoor pursuit facilities nearby.

Ride Stats:

63.9 km

791 m (2596 feet)

The Route: