Today was amazing. It started with the slowest breakfast ever (Phil is still waiting for his coffee) prior to checking out of the hotel and heading to Fort William. We found the park and ride and picked up the hopper bus to the Ben Nevis Range for the UCI Downhill World Championships.
We walked around the pits. Phil seemed a little start-struck but I just carried on, taking pictures of all the famous mountain bikers (I think I saw all my heroes within the first hour). Dad really enjoyed the buzz of the place. Phil pointed out all the prototype bike tech and we all admired the very beautiful Fox 40 Podium Gold special edition forks.
We headed up the mountain following a trail which vaguely followed the track. Dad found himself a spot next to the jump line whilst Phil and I continued up to the wood section. After taking a lot of photos we wondered back to collect dad and head up the mountain in the gondola. Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to sit at the café on the balcony to watch so we didn’t stay long at the top. We watched a few riders setting off before heading back down for an ice cream (and to buy Phil’s friend Jack some merchandise).
We stayed at the event longer than I expected. We didn’t get back to the car before 3pm. From there, we made our way to Loch Ness to our next hotel.
Our hotel in Loch Ness is the Loch Ness Lodge, a 5 star B&B on the banks of the beautiful Loch. Now, this hotel deserves it’s 5 star rating! What an upgrade from the Glencoe Inn – We are going to be very happy here. The reception manager greeted us at our car to collect our bags as we arrived. The rooms are elegant, and the furnishings are luxurious.
After a rest, we met for a complementary glass of champagne in the lounge before heading off to dinner at the Loch Ness Inn (recommended and booked by the reception manager at check-in). The food was lovely, all made from local produce, and the restaurant was full to bursting. We are all feeling very tired tonight and we are looking forward to a more relaxing day tomorrow.