So I did the Cairngorms loop last weekend so I thought I would write up my tale on a blog. There's no photos as I didn't have the camera with me so its just text which I've tried to make interesting........
See what you think anyways

http://philbike.blog.com/2014/08/31/a-t ... 13-rivers/

Excellent blog and excellent effort, well done!

Phew, I was up in Nairn when Bertha came through. Glad I made the decision not to do it after reading this
Good effort with the water levels

Entry to the HTR definitely earned there, well done. Nice write up too.

It's great to see videos and images - however the use of the written word can be as powerful and just as painterly. You have achieved this and thank you for sharing.

Good write up. I imagine the not knowing the actual state of the river crossings must have been quite stressful.

Cheers all!
What made the river crossings worse was my close scrutiny of the SEPA river level data which suggested they would all be fine. For many it wasn't the actual level per-se, it was more the fact that they had eroded themselves into narrow, deep swift flowing channels rather than their usual wide / shallow flow.

It was absolutely an excellent training ride for the HT as I was constantly faced with the question of whether to keep going or jack it for another day (I bet it would be a lot easier at the moment!) plus I have learned a nice steady mile munching pace which I should be able to keep up for 5-6 days.

Nay excuses for not doing the '15 HT now