The Cairngorms are stunning, even in bad weather. And today was good weather. I rode in my short-sleeved jersey for most of the day, even on the descents.

I was hoping to make Dalwhinnie before it started to rain but got to within about 6 miles out.

I’d’ve made it without all the pesky stops. It takes ages to get the drone out, power it up, locate enough satellites for take-off, manoeuvre in the sky to take the shots and then land it safely and pack it away again.

Flew for photography on the main descent down from Tomintoul, a scenic bridge, and the old A9 cycleway after Kinguissie. I also took a tripod shot here — I’m a sucker for old roads.

The new A9 is pretty much a motorway so it was great to be on the old A9, with its defunct cats’ eyes and carriageway markings.

Opposite there’s the rail line which I’ll be on next week for the return to Newcastle from Inverness by train.

Tomorrow I’ll be riding what will probably turn into a hike-a-bike in sections. And, despite the forecast for incessant rain, can’t avoid the route — it’s one of my book loops. It’ll be touch and go whether I get any usable images. Such is life.