21 July

Thankfully a shorter day today, 66 miles from Beattock to Keswick.  By mutual agreement, we were up very early and left the campsite before 8am.  No one saw us leave.

This meant I was cycling at a much better time of day, with little wind and still quite cool.  I made good progress, again along a boring stretch by the side of the M74 until I got to Gretna Green, almost back into England.   I paused for a while to reflect on my time in Scotland.  Great scenery, the wind, blistering heat, no shops, miles of nothing.  Everyone I met was friendly and helpful.

Once over the border, the sun came out and I had a lovely ride down into Cumbria, along tiny single track roads, up and down hills, with great views and not a soul around.  And all before lunch on a Sunday.  

Then a long downhill into Keswick.  A great campsite here, on the banks of Derwentwater. Spent a lovely afternoon with a glass of wine and Amanda.  The boys went off climbing.  Yesterday seems such a long time ago now. 

Off down to Clitheroe tomorrow, another shorter day of less than 70 miles.

No need for a midge watch in England.

Backside still okay.

20 July

Huge day this, 93 miles in total, from Loch Lomond down to Beattock, about thirty miles north of the Border.  

First bit was fine, fairly flat into Glasgow, then a fantastic ride along cycle paths through the City, through parks, and along the banks of the Clyde. Beautiful, sunny day, loads of people around and all very helpful, which was good as the cycle routes were very complex and I needed to stop and ask the way on numerous occasions.  In fact the number of times I needed to ask for help contributed to the journey through Glasgow, taking over four hours!

Once out of the City, it became a bit more boring, with a minor road running alongside the M74, before a long climb into Beattock.

After such a long day, I was looking forward to seeing my family, having a shower and relaxing for the evening.  Oh dear.

I arrived to find them all at probably the worst campsite in the world.  About six inches in between each van, showers that had no temperature adjustment (burn or off), and a bar which was having a ‘Country and Western’ night when I arrived (this went on until after midnight and kept me awake until the early hours).  Our immediate neighbours arrived in the early evening, in a small hatchback which they proceeded to unpack, revealing three small oil filled radiators, a Z Bed a microwave and a George Foreman grill in addition to all their luggage. They disappeared off to the Country and Western night soon enough.  They were still asleep when I left in the morning.

Still, no midges here.

My backside is fine. 

19 July

Good day today, very hot, clear blue skies and still.  Not a lot to report really, there is only one road, so I didn’t get lost.  No punctures either. 

On such an uneventful day, time to reflect on the enormous contribution my family are making to this barmy adventure.  They are incredibly supportive, and without their contribution, this would be impossible.  I will owe them a huge debt at the end of this. 

The route today took me along the banks of Loch Linhe to start with then down the A82 through Glen Coe.  If you haven’t been to this part of Britain, you should, it is quite spectacular.   When I can work out how to do it, I’ll post some photos.

Through Glen Coe, the road continued upwards, climbing to 1200ft, eventually to a place called The Bridge of Orchy.  Had lunch here, alongside more German tourists. I swear there are more German tourists in this part of Scotland than in Germany.  I saw a sign yesterday which I think warned of sheep on the road, it was written in German.  They arrived at the same time as an English family, who all ordered a small glass of water each, then proceeded to take out there Tesco sandwiches for lunch whilst the Germans followed suit, taking out large quantities of rye bread and cheese from their rucksacks.  The polish waitress was very put out.  

I ordered a pint of Coke and a sandwich, said ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and felt a bit smug. 

Then downhill for 15 miles to the top of Loch Lomond and eventually to Luss, where we are camping, right on the shores of the Loch.

Down into the village tonight for fish and chips then off to bed.

A few midges here..........

But my backside isn’t sore.