Cycling World Magazine December 2017 | Page 15

December 2017| 15 Essentially: Think “lightweight layers”, rather than your favourite, bulky sweatshirt, then you can dress up or strip down depending • on the weather on the day Shops and cafes may be few and far between in more remote areas, so have a supply of water, energy bars, chocolate, sandwiches • and so on – and think about this every morning. Water bladders – about a gallon at a time – are ideal, and can be used to fill up a sipping-bottle. Generally, water from taps (faucets) is fine in • Scotland, but as with everywhere, don’t trust water in streams or lochs, just in case. If camping, a lightweight tent should suffice, if you bring a light and compressible down sleeping bag, and a liner. Make sure your tent is bug- • proof – Scottish midges (small mosquitoes) are tenacious and voracious! Don’t forget tools and spare parts for your bikes, such as an extra tube and a pump, duct tape, a set of spanners and screwdrivers etc. • Toiletries (including a loo roll), insect repell