Day 2 is damper than a damp thing in damp town. Never mind though plenty of miles to do today and the weather is a minor concern. ( famous last words )

We head for the Lake District on the way to Barrow. The roads are tight and twisty and because we got such an early start we have them mostly to ourselves - there are a few cars, bikes and walkers but they are dispatched in short order. It's a real shame that the cloud base is so low as it means we can't really appreciate the scenery. It's raining non stop too so not even likely that there's any good GoPro footage. After some ambling around on the way to Ambleside we head north. We have a plan B for the day because of the distance and weather conditions so head towards the M6. Before that though there is the amazing Kirkstone Pass where we get the view of the day ( so far ) heading down hill towards a lake down a steep sided valley.

The next hour or so on the M6 is a trial of enthusiasm. Torrential rain, strong gusting side winds and temperatures of 7 degrees. Heated vests to the rescue again! Junction 13 and we're off on the A702 towards Edinburgh via Biggar. The rain eases of a touch, the temperature rises to a barmy 14 and the quiet roads are straight,curvy, straight and curvy. This gets our mojo back with some good overtaking and long flowing twists.

The Forth road bridge signs soon start to appear and we're in some busier traffic. Razor has a slight directional malfunction but a quick left indicate and we just about make the junction.

It's Perth next which quickly comes and goes with not much to report apart from the lovely countryside ( you lucky Scots ). We're about 2/3 into the day and have to stop for some emergency rations as Razor starts to digest himself as he's so hungry!

Now the next stint is without a doubt the best part of the trip so far. The Cairngorms. OMG - what a great ride! The road is quiet on the way to Braemar and so spectacular. There are plenty of bikes around and we have a quick pit stop at the Glenshee Ski Centre. Not much snow but enough to provide a contrast. There's more of the same towards Braemar and beyond. It's quick, quiet and a real joy. The sun even comes out to say hello and stays with us. c*** Bridge ( Ooer! ) comes and goes and We're welcomed to the highlands by the tourist road signs.

The next hour or so is more of the same - could ride these roads all day long if the saddle fatigue would allow. Time for a quick fuel stop at Grantown-on-Spey and it's only 25 miles to Inverness. The town comes into view with a backdrop of the estuary leading out to the North Sea.

After a brief moment of panic about the Waterside Hotel not being able to find our reservations we're checked in and have a well deserved pint in hand. A quick stroll around Inverness to find some food is harder than you think as everywhere is fully booked. Eventually come across The Castle Tavern and were fed and watered.

It was a big day - 368 miles and 9 hours on the road.