The final pull for this hilly day was from Dundonnell, a long but steady climb through the forest, past waterfalls and herds of deer, with panoramic views of mountains.

The descent to the main road was long and fast, with a fairly level final 10 miles along the side of Loch Broom to Ullapool where we arrived as dusk was falling.

Ullapool hostel is a terraced building along the harbourside. The beds in the dormitories must be the most basic and uncomfortable in the world, - iron frmaed with a large sheet of chipboard as a base, and a thin matress, and no rail to stop you rolling out!

We got some chips from the nearby chippie, and walked around the harbour as some evening drizzle began.