A Final Word...

Neil came up with this bonkers idea just off the top of his head one day driving Lena to the airport. he said "I fancy cycling from Lands End to John o Groats" somehow or other, out of my mouth came "I'll come with you". How did that happen? The following week we bought new bikes and some cycling type paraphernalia, borrowed some gear and had a few practise runs in-all about 70 miles. The longest run was along the canal in Exeter to Exmouth about 25 miles. I didn't really want to tell anyone in case we didn't do it and had to come home early, I thought that would be too embarrassing. But nothing can be secret on the balcony and everyone got to know so we just had to do it.

We owe a huge debt of thanks to many people, and you all know who you are, our family and friends who kept us going believing in us and sending messages of support, that meant so much and really spurred us along. To Lena who showed me how to blog and published all my blogs with pictures and of course sent daily messages of encouragement. To Barb who made me a special pair of pants to help with the saddlesores, thanks Barb, I don't think they will catch on with Sir Bradley and his friends. To all the lovely people we met along the way, people we don't know and will never meet again who urged us on and helped in their various ways. And of course to our great Gareth who went out of his way to come and meet us and the end of the country and drive us back to sanity, and home, which our wonderful friends and family had looked after for us along with a very porky looking Charlie Girl!. Thank you all.

......and to Neil who came up with this harebrained scheme, he was inspiring, brilliant, patient and good fun, without him I wouldn't have thought of it and certainly would never have completed this journey. Thank You for Everything my Babe.


Interesting facts:

Total miles 904

Total punctures 5

Tubs of butt cream used 3

Best Hotel Loch Lomond Arms Hotel at Luss

Worst Hotel The Kings Arms at Lockerbie

Best B&B. The Anchorage in John o Groats

Worst B&B Ardmory in Fort William

Best cycling From Fort Augustus to Fort William along the Great Glen

Worst cycling Lybster to Brora against the wind on the second day.

Best Meal the pizza at Sutor Creek in Cromaty

Worst Meal at the Kings Arms Lockerbie

Best Beer Lancaster Blond in The Dukes Head Armathwaite  Cumbria

Worst Beer McEwans  70/- at The KIngs Arms Lockerbie.

Two Old Farts at The End of the Road

Last Day

We woke to find the cycling Gods were looking down on us, this morning, no rain, no fog, blue sky and the wind behind our backs! First job after a delicious breakfast Neil had to put in a new inner tube, the puncture repair had failed.

The Final Puncture Repair

The journey started with Neil's suggestion we follow the trail we had used 27 years ago when we were on our last cycling holiday, I don't know how he remembered that but there it was a beautiful track going past Penrose house and the National Trust Offices, through woods and spitting us out at Porthleven. We continued through the picturesque Porthleven on a climbing B-road alongside the coast with breathtaking scenery the wind pushing us along, it was bliss. A very fast 5 mile run along the main toad down to Marazion, we flew down this road, I registered 34mph, frightened myself to death!

Picturesque Portleven

Magnificent St Micheals Mount

Newlyn Cycle Track

 At Marazion the stunning St.Michael's Mount  came into view, the weather was warm and sunny so it looked magnificent. We stopped for a quick coffee then joined the cycle path which took us all along the bay to Newlyn, an easy fun ride with the smell of the sea with us. A climb out of Newlyn onto the A30 which was to take us all the way to Lands End. This was the last of the long hills and I admit here to being tired and having to walk up a time or two. Gareth had very kindly offered to pick us up at Lands End as he was working in Truro so I was looking out for him passing us, I was hoping it would be when I was flying along down hill looking a bit professional but alas it was when I was trudging up the last hill!! great to see him flashing his lights and knowing we were nearly there.

She DID IT !!

He DID IT !!!!

The Finish Line

We flashed through Sennen and before we knew it we were at the finish line. What a fabulous feeling! We've done it!!! After a celebratory pint and the obligatory photographs we packed our bikes ourselves into Gareth's car and returned to the bosom of our friends at the BE.

On The Edge......

Get a Room !

The Pedaling Patersons



A Celebratory Pint with the Chauffer



Day 27 Crediton to Liskeard

I know you may be confused but days 22 to 26 were spent in Coombe Raleigh with our fab friends, wonderful weekend, great company and gorgeous house. We got a lift home where Neil had some work related issues to deal with and left home on day 27.

This was hard, getting up early and leaving the house, aga just switched on, and poor old Charlie dog, it  didn't come easy, added to that there was a mist hanging over Upton Hellions and surrounding area. Nevertheless we trudged on out the gate having edited our luggage, I was now free of panniers, poor old Neil still had two, albeit lighter. It was hard to get going again and it took to Bow before we got the hang of the riding malarkey again.  Once we got the hang of it we trundled up and down to Okehampton where we stopped for a lovely cup of coffee at Toast, ( but no toast).

The Best of the "Cycle Path"

Neil and his trusty friend Satmap found us a glorious cycle tail following the old railway line from Okehampton to Lydford this skirted Dartmoor, fabulous tarred track with perfect views sometimes wooded some moorland. A small section of A road took us to the Dartmoor Inn where we turned off for Lydford. We ate our picnic lunch at Lydford castle and just as we finished it started to rain. Neil and Satmap then decided to try some different path which was horrendous, across grassy mounds, stony paths really rough and covered with sheep droppings, of course I didn't complain!! Once we got back onto the road it was nice downhill into Tavistock where we stopped at the old pannier market for a coffee out of the rain and prepared ourselves for the road ahead.

Meldon Quarry; Oakhampton Train Graveyard

Neil and Satmap knew we had Gunnislake and it's miles long hill to contend with. What a slog through mist and rain, we were knackered. When we eventually crested the hill we got on a fairly level cycle path which took us into Callington and then onto Liskeard finishing off as usual with an uphill to the Eliot House Hotel. 54 hard miles today, my longest and hardest day. Of course our Lycra lad could beat that with his 60 mile day in Scotland.

Lunch at Lydford Castle

Day 22 Langport to Honiton

Having had a couple of fairly easy riding days today was a longer one but we had the weekend off to look forward and meeting up with friends so we just got on with the journey. No breakfast at The Lodge so we went to the charmingly named Potting Shed Cafe for a bacon buttie and tea. The lady who runs the shop was able to get us up to date with all the gossip about The Lodge, the pub and Kelways, the fact that we were strangers and knew none of the people concerned didn't matter a jot and we were interested listeners!

Nearly Home

The road from Langport took us up hill and down dale one or two real steep inclines where we just had to walk, all the villages were small so no handy coffee shops on the way and Neil, in front, had the decision on where to stop. well he has this weird  idea in his head that pubs are not for coffee drinking, you have coffee at the cafe and beer at a pub! The only reason we stopped in a pub for coffee previously was because I chose on that occasion.  It was well over time for a rest and we had passed two perfectly good pubs with open doors which he sailed past so he elected to sit on a bench in a tiny village and drink our water! That's all! on and on we went still really hard roads then it happened, my legs gave in and I felt as weak as a kitten, I just had to get off the bike and stand there trying to get the strength to go on. I took two dextrose tablets and walked slowly till I started feeling a bit better. luckily we didn't have to go too far before reaching a fantastic pub, I was never so glad to see the welcoming sign. The landlady was extremely friendly and the food fabulous. Must keep that in mind for future lunches!

Lovely Pub

Fortified and fully functional we left for the last leg to Coombe Raleigh near Honiton where we had rented a large house for the weekend with our group of good friends. Both of us were in good spirits when we spotted the Welcome to Devon sign which meant we were nearing the end, just Devon and Cornwall to go and it seemed to be downhill yay! Halfway down a good hill Neil suddenly stopped to look at the map, suddenly we heard cars tooting and two carloads of  Coombe Raleigh friends  arrived on the scene. What a wonderful moment meeting up with everyone even though we stopped all the traffic. Just 200 yards from our destination. Hooray, a whole weekend of R&R.

Good Friends

The Balcony Moves to Coombe Raleigh

Day 21 Portishead to Langport

We left the Keene household after having a very comfortable sleep in the master bedroom, Jo and Yan took the settee, a delicious breakfast bacon buttie and a pile of freshly laundered clothes. It's such a treat to have clean clothes, we have been hand washing along the way and did a wash at the launderette in Kendal but you get so sweaty riding and can't wash jackets or anything that won't dry overnight.

Leaving Portishead with Entourage

The first part of the ride to Clevedon was over familiar territory, Neil and I lived in Clevedon 20 years so know it well. Made our way over the moors towards Yatton, here Neil started his trip down memory lane, we had to stop and look at the river Yeo drain where he used to swim as a boy.

Yeo Drain

We were going to use the Strawberry Line from Yatton, this got its name from the famous Cheddar strawberries which were transported on the Great Western Line from Cheddar. A victim of the Beeching cuts in the 60's the line closed in 1965 leaving Yatton with one line and a stop on the Paddington to Penzance route.

Yatton Station, Big Boy Now

Our Yatton boy spent a lot of time with his friend Alex at the station and later The Railway pub just next to it. Jo had recommended we stop at the The Strawberry cafe at the station where they serve lovely tea and cakes, so we had to and she was right, thanks Jo. Neil was most disconcerted that the cafe was in the old toilets and parcel room!

Nice Spot for Tea and Cakes

I just have to mention here another haunt of our boy in Yatton was the old cattle market, now a housing estate, here he and his erstwhile friend indulged their favourite hobby which was collecting the little rings of skin from the cows ears when they were tagged! it beggars the question, what did they do with them? Did his mum have festering rotting skin to clear from the bedroom? Maybe she had to take them out of the shorts pockets before washing! Glad he wasn't mine then!

Site of Underage Drinking

Yatton Station

The Strawberry line was beautiful, even in the rain, like a secret little road all your own, we did come across a few dog walkers but not many, under old railway bridges and through the villages we know so well, Congesbury, Sandford, Winscombe here the platform was left on one side and the whole area turned into the village green. One part took us through the Thatchers Cider Farm orchards where we rode flanked on both sides with trees groaning with bright red Katy apples, what a beautiful sight.

Thatchers Cider Orchard

Stawberry Line

The path finished in Cheddar and here we got on the road for Axbridge, I love Axbridge with its famous medieval town square and Kings James Hunting Lodge, all this was completely hidden as the funfair was in town. Pedalling on we arrived at Wedmore where we stopped at a little Deli for lunch, hot French onion soup and doorstep bread, perfect for two soggy cyclists! This set us up for the long climb up the Polden Hills to Langport on the other side. This was steep, very hard going but we eventually got to Langport and the Lodge where we were staying. Funny set up it is a new stone built building like a motel next to a magnificent an 18C pub we had to phone Sandra when we got there and she gave us instructions on how to get in. Wonderful large clean beautifully furnished too, very comfortable. We thought just pop into the pub next door for a bite to eat, mistake, the worst food ever, we both pushed it round the plate and left.

Making it Through the Tunnel

The next morning went to the Potting shed for breakfast. This, the pub and the Lodge were the site of the old Kelways Nursery, now moved elsewhere. If you watch Chelsea they always feature highly.

Day 20 Chepstow to Portishead

The Beaufort Hotel was bed only so we repaired to the Coffee#1 next door lured by the delicious smell of freshly percolated coffee. I am a tea girl myself but found I just had to start this morning with a cup of cappuccino, which I must say was perfect, accompanied by an almond croissant yum yum!

We had to negotiate the hill we were so happy to descend last night when we arrived at the Beaufort! On the way out we asked an elderly couple for directions to the Severn Bridge, why you ask when we have the wonderful Satmap, well yesterday in all that rain Satmap got wet and refused to work. It's supposed to be waterproof! So purchased a bag of rice and Satmap is comfortably esconsed in it bag of Tesco Finest Basmati (same price as value brand he said when I berated him for being spendthrift!) drying out. So the aforementioned elderly couple of Chepstow told us the way to the bridge via the cycle path which they reliably informed us was made for us, personally I believe, because Mr Chepstow pointed directly at me and Neil. I am impressed, humbled and grateful, thank you Chepstow Council.

Severn Crossing

Going over the Severn Crossing was amazing, the sun was shining and no wind, lovely and warm, the second crossing an elegant structure in the near distance. We had to keep stopping to admire the mighty Severn and West country ahead thinking all the time we were heading to Jo and Yan's,  home cooking and home comforts!

2nd Severn View

 

Lost in the Undergrowth

Dropped in Severn beach for a coffee, another dreary little place. We had a struggle finding the cycle path, poorly Satmap,  and at one point ended in some undergrowth full of nettles and blackberries
which ended in a dead end, turn back struggle over rough footpaths and eventually found our way back to the road. When you drive on the M5 over you don't give the industrial sites and car storage
parks a second thought, actually they are vibrant places with so many cyclists  horse riders and
walkers enjoying off road paths out of the way places in the middle of built up areas.

Lots of Blackberries

We made our way to Portishead to Jo and Yan's, we had instructions on where to find the keys, got ourselves settled in showered and fed. When Yan came home he handed us two envelopes, inside two vouchers for a back massage each, this afternoon at 4.30 pm. Wow what a treat! I can't think of anything we would have enjoyed more! Home for freshly cooked lasagne and sale and a lovely bottle so Sancerre. Heaven!

The Lovely Keen Family

Day 19 Ross-on-Wye to Chepstow

Surprised at Getting This Far

It seems minutes since we left Chepstow having done only 27 miles today, we have had a half day! The reason being we are booked in to Yan and Jo's in Portishead tomorrow leaving us two days to get to Honiton and the weekend booked with friends. A whole weekend off! Will we get back in the saddle? The plan is to then go home for a day and resume the last leg on Wednesday getting back for Saturday so Lycra lad can resume his rugby duties and support his beloved Exeter Chiefs against Leicester.

Coffee and Welsh-cakes in Honour of Crossing the Welsh Border

We left the Royal Hotel quite late, spent quite a time trying to get an onward booking for Chepstow. So difficult! The races are on today so Chepstow is booked up. There seems to be no evidence of shortage of money in the B&B and hotel industry, everywhere we have been places have been fully booked and turning people away. Even The Royal, which has seen better days, was fully booked and the tables at breakfast were full.

New Use for Hotel Shower Cap

Over the last 19 days we have been quite lucky with the weather, some wind in Scotland and again yesterday and some rain in Gretna.The rain more than made up for it today, from about 10.30 until about 4pm it came down non stop, we were soaked! Stopped in Tintern for some lunch and I felt really embarrassed squelching through the pub dripping everywhere. Conquered the long climb into Chepstow to The Beaufort Hotel in the centre and at the bottom of the hill this time ! Again, an old a hotel which has seen better days Also, what is the problem in these places with opening windows. You arrive from the fresh air into a stuffy room reeking of cleaning products, enough to make you want to walk right out again.

Chepstow Castle

Having arrived early we had time to have a walk around the historic town of Chepstow and visit the castle. Lovely to stretch different muscles!

Tintern Abbey

Day 18 Stourport to Ross-on-Wye

Left the comfort of Stourport Manor this morning with trepidation as the weather forecast was dreadful with wind and rain expected most of the day. However the sun was out so grateful for small mercies we pedalled on.

2 Famous Cyclists and Some Thin Blokes

The road was full of up and downs through attractive countryside up and down into Worscester Where we decided to stop for coffe, thinking we'd get one along the lovely riverside path  we followed that Up and down and ended up in the countryside without finding our coffee, on we went and by the time we had covered 18 miles with still no coffee I was getting cross. Eventually found a pub went in to find a ladies craft morning in progress, it wasn't actually open till 12, this was about quarter to but the landlady served us, luckily we weren't expected to make a patchwork quilt while drinking it!

Lunch With the Ducks

The road took us parallel to the Malvern Hills which looked daunting, thank goodness we weren't trying to go over them, however our road was still up and down, I never knew Worcester was so hilly! One pretty village after another then we came to Hanley Swan where there was the most beautiful village pond with lots of ducks. Bought sandwiches from the village stores and sat on the bench to eat our lunch. I think the ducks got more than we did! The sun dissappeared so we decided to hastily get on.

Windy Day on the Cycle Path

Till now no rain though the wind was horrible, really hampering our progress. It's so hard riding against the wind it takes twice the effort and is depressing. Neil took the scenic route through tiny winding lanes though we had a section of an A road to negotiate. Somehow or other I didn't notice Neil turning off onto the lanes again and kept straight on with lorries, cars and bikes thundering by. I was wondering why I hadn't seen him for a while, Neil rides faster than me and sails up the hills I    struggle with so every few miles he stops, has a nice rest waiting for me then I catch up, have a  minute to catch my breath and off we go. The deal is I keep straight if I don't see him, he has the Satmap (not that I could use it!). My phone started ringing which I ignored, it wasn't till it rang 3 times that I decided to see who it was . Neil realised I wasn't behind him so he had to steer me back onto the right road. To say I was upset is an understatement, especially as I had ridden two extra miles on that busy road!

Old Man of Ross' House

Anyway reunited we carried on, here the hills got even worse each time you crested a long steep hill there would be a downhill, you didn't want to go down knowing it would be followed by another incline. This continued till we thankfully reached Ross-on-Wye having done 47 miles. Guess what, our Hotel is at the top of the town on the hill!

Ross on Wye Market Place

Day 17 Market Drayton to Stourpot-on-Severn

Hayden and Glenny our hosts sent us off this morning with a tasty breakfast and good wishes for the day which began ominously with rain. What a delightful couple, retired dairy farmers well into their 70's but with plenty of go and so warm and welcoming.

Horrid headwind for the first half followed by rain in the second half, not much else to say really, pretty boring landscape on the whole, I'm sure there are beautiful places around here, unfortunately not on our route.

Tiny Lanes

Neil, with the help of the Satmap, found an unexpected shortcut which cut 3 miles off our journey but involved riding up a narrow dirt trail between bushes and trees with nettles galore. Then onto a bumpy road, quite challenging but short! Saw these lovely little ponies on the way.

Tiny Ponies

Booked into Stourport Manor, very nice!

Half Time Progress Review

Day 16 Stratton to Market Drayton

The Premier Inn guarantee you will have a goods nights sleep, well yes we did but that is about all you can say for it. They cater for business people yet you have to pay for wifi, every other place, even the most old fashioned B&B had free wifi so what are they thinking! Added to that the wifi kept disconnecting so I was thoroughly fed up. We also had huge difficulties finding our next stop, it seems everyone is staying in Shropshire this weekend. We had to leave Stretton without a bed booked which made me twitchy. I'm too old to sleep in a hedge.

No Flies on This Developer

Leaving Stretton was a joy, we were on our way and immediately the scenery improved, scenic countryside with canal glimpses and pretty black and white Medieval timber framed cottages. Through the two wiches, Northwich and Nantwich, stopping for lunch in Audlem at a picturesque pub called the Shroppie right on the Shropshire Union Canal. Audlem is famous for its run of 15 locks. A local Worcester Warriors Rugby fan recognised Neil's Exeter Chiefs shirt, he was delighted to meet Neil and lots of rugby chat followed. our new friend loves the style of Exeter's play and he predicts they will go far this year.

Typical Shropshire House

On the way to the pub we saw a Lancaster bomber flying overhead then immediately came across the sign for The secret Bunker, any connection?

Wo bist das secret bunker mein Herr

Still riding through pretty lanes away from the main roads we rode into Market Drayton where we decided to stay, well I did because after 42 miles I was tired and worried as we still hadn't booked our overnight stay. Tried the main hotel without luck then phoned B&b numbers we were given at the hotel. Third one lucky, others full, this is just perfect. walked into town  for a bite to eat and the best option was Wetherspoons. Ok for what it is but did you know they sell 26 million eggs and 36
million sausages every year! Mr Wetherspoon must be worth a mint!

Canal Views

The weather forecast for tomorrow is atrocious, wall to wall rain! Headline in the local newsagents " County braces for weekend storms" what are we doing?