The Mennock Pass was truly a beautiful climb. I probably started a bit early and had a lovely ride in gorgeous sunshine through a valley with the river burbling away happily to my side, the trees providing shelter and the beautiful scenery providing balm for my eyes. The book talks about a ride along the pan flat valley floor and I'm not sure if this is part of the climb - but it was incredibly enjoyable.
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This feeling was increased as I came out of the valley area and started the climb proper. Gorgeous banking down to the road with the hills rising gently either side of you.
There is a stream running gently by the side tempting you to go and dip your feet in the cool water, a lovely valley floor and piles of rocks everywhere.
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Lots of sheep just chilling out on the side of the road, taking it easy and probably enjoying living in such a beautiful place!
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The slope never seems to get too brutal, it is a long climb rather than a really hard one, but it is a fairly long one. Luckily for me I had a beautiful day!
At the end of the ride you do a little dip through Wanlockhead which I think is the highest village in Scotland - nice bit of trivia for the ride - also at the bottom of a little dip which is very pleasant!
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Garmin Data here: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/90464153
Youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N053Zmj3ttE&feature=related
Flickr photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/100hillsforgeorge/sets/72157627079867486/
There is a stream running gently by the side tempting you to go and dip your feet in the cool water, a lovely valley floor and piles of rocks everywhere.
Lots of sheep just chilling out on the side of the road, taking it easy and probably enjoying living in such a beautiful place!
The slope never seems to get too brutal, it is a long climb rather than a really hard one, but it is a fairly long one. Luckily for me I had a beautiful day!
At the end of the ride you do a little dip through Wanlockhead which I think is the highest village in Scotland - nice bit of trivia for the ride - also at the bottom of a little dip which is very pleasant!
Garmin Data here: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/90464153
Youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N053Zmj3ttE&feature=related
Flickr photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/100hillsforgeorge/sets/72157627079867486/
Great blog!
ReplyDeleteI guess you decided not to cycle to the golf ball on top of the mountain, then? Past the false flat at the village, there is a metal gate across a paved access road, leading to another 300m of traffic free climbing, with 17% pitches and a storm force Scottish breeze.
Thank you. To be honest - I didn't see the road to the golf ball - I'll look for it next time I'm up there! Thanks for the tip.
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