Coronavirus has a lot to answer for. Having recently retired, a number of cycling exploits beckoned. I had a blank canvas to exploit. Then coronavirus shut everything down. Typical.

In September restrictions eased a little, and living in Glasgow I had easy access to the Caledonia Way. This trip at least looked promising. After booking B&Bs and hotels, my wife and I drove to Campbeltown via the Mull of Kintyre lighthouse. The views across to Northern Ireland were stunning.

Next day we visited Davaar Island, which has a cave with a painting of Christ on the  inside. The causeway you walk across is only usable a few hours either side of low tide. Fortunately we got our timings right.

My solo cycling trip began the following morning as I headed off up the east side of the Kintyre peninsula, while Joyce took the car. Fantastic scenery follows you north. Remember to stop, look, and savour the landscape that surrounds you.

It took me five days to ride the 234 miles to Inverness. After 69 miles on the final day, my legs felt like they didn’t want to be part of me any more. But it was great to complete the Caledonia Way, notwithstanding the inclement weather and the virus.

The scenery along the west coast of Scotland has to be some of the best in the world. If you take the time to immerse yourself in it, and absorb it, you will find yourself enriched forever.