Daily Summaries
Sun 22 July: D-1: Off to Land's End... |
| Roger says: |
Feeling apprehensive and excited about starting, and really looking forward
to the holiday. I'm not as fit as I'd hoped to be on starting, but that
will improve quickly on the hilliest part of the tour - Cornwall & Devon! [He hasn't seen Scotland yet - ed.]
We're planning to camp near Polperro, rather than Fowey, just to add a few
more miles to day 1 and a few off day 2. |
| Ruth says: |
The girls (all 3) are really looking forward to the trip too. Caitlin &
Riona are especially excited about the van and camping! They have all their
cuddlies ready. Caitlin has checked we have enough food!
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Mon 23 July: Day 1: Land's End-PolperroMap |
| Weather: |
Warm and cloudy. Wind OK. |
| Distance: |
80.23 miles; average speed 13.8 mph |
| Roger says: |
Very hard day. Hard second half, more hilly and more tired.
Dartmoor tomorrow and then home and rest. |
| Ruth says: |
The first of many playgrounds. Roger looked good on his bike at Land's End.
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Tues 24 July: Day 2: Polperro-ExeterMap |
| Weather: |
Light wind (5 mph) but in the face; not too warm in the sun. |
| Distance: |
64.57 miles; average speed 13.6 mph |
| Roger says: |
Day two is over! Arrived in Exeter at 1535, having started at 0830
from campsite 4 miles W of Looe. Yesterday was a much longer day (0930-1800), partly due to two ferry
crossings (only one today) and much harder navigation - didn't need the map at all today).
Another very hilly day - more so than yesterday. I'm still trying to get my hydration/food right, as the problem is
fuel, not oxygen on the steep climbs. Lots of fun downhill today, which compensated a bit for the
uphill (except it doesn't last as long!) Set a new fastest speed of 46.0 mph on two of the descents.
Ruth & the girls had a good day - they left the campsite to go to the beach @ 1030, but then had to
leave at 1200 to catch me as I was already half way across Dartmoor!
They met me at Moretonhampstead (just 13 miles from home), which meant I could enthuse and moan in equal measure.
Very refreshing. Once again I got a second wind about 5 miles out (which nicely coincided with another long DH) -
must be the expectation of lovely home cooking? Now I'm home I don't feel too sore, and the muscles will
recover nicely tomorrow.
Thursday is flatter than before - I may go as far as Bristol, but we'll see.
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| Ruth says: |
Trip has been fun so far. I am actually beginning to sloooooooow down and enjoy just 'being'.
It's been a busy few weeks/months (years?!) at work and it's wonderful to have a forced 'stop'.
I am very tired at the moment (sleeping more than Roger and he's the one on the bike!) but I think
it's my body catching up on itself. I am very much enjoying being with the girls and having our little
adventures. They tell me all their secrets and it's lovely to have time to chill with them.
Went to a beach near Looe today. The girls found a river to play in (well - Caitlin beside, Riona in)
and I sat in the sun and read. Well, this was until Mr. Adams sent his summons from Dartmoor and I dragged
all 3 of us off the beach and went and found him.
It's now wierd being home for a bit. The next stint up to Glasgow will be a long haul.
We're staying with friends in Bristol and Hereford and then it's 5 (?) nights of camping.
We'll get into the swing of it.
Impressed Roger yesterday by putting up two tents I'd
only ever seen once all by myself (gets a hero point from Roger).
Then decamped this morning after Roger had left at 0815.
Breaking camp was fine if it wasn't for Roger's blasted super-light super-wonderful
pegs which rip your fingers if you take them out incorrectly.
But it's worth anything to steal one of the girl's Winnie-the-Pooh plasters
(which you're allowed to wear on holiday aren't you?).
Having said all this about being tired and enjoying time with the girls, am just off canoeing!
Tues night is club night, so whilst I'm in Exeter, why not?
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Thurs 26 July: Day 4: Exeter-BristolMap |
| Weather: |
Very sunny and hot [just wait until Scotland - ed]. Wind OK. |
| Distance: |
87.78 miles; average speed 13.9 mph |
| Roger says: |
Long day, but it's over now! Stayed on main roads quite a bit - the A303 is not fun as a cyclist.
Made it all the way to Bristol, so tomorrow will be shorter. Getting my eating a bit more sussed now and
I take on more during the day. Finding energy drinks very useful.
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| Ruth says: |
Arrived safely in Bristol 1630, and staying with friends Helen and Martin tonight. The girls had a fun
afternoon playing in sand pits, running around, fighting over toys etc. with Helen and Martin's children.
I spent morning (re) packing. It was OK going away for two days on Sunday,
but now knowing that we're going to be away for over 2 weeks there is a lot more checking and double checking
that you have everything.
Met up with Roger for lunch. It was a hot, hot day and he was pleased for company, sandwiches and
refills of water.
We are staying with friends again tomorrow,
and again they have a 3 yr old who will be company for the girls and have lots of new
and exciting toys for C&R to play with.
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Fri 27 July: Day 5: Bristol-HerefordMap |
| Weather: |
Very sunny. Light wind in face. |
| Distance: |
52.38 miles; average speed 14.0 mph |
| Roger says: |
Short day today, but will use extra time for recovery. Severn Bridge interesting.
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| Ruth says: |
It was a short day today. Again, very hot (sorry, John - we'll join you in
the rain soon) [No, bring it with you.. John].
Roger left Bristol at 0830 and by 1000 he was in Chepstow!
I eventually caught up with him just south of Monmouth. As Roger had time, he stopped with us
in Monmouth for a bit. I loitered there, visiting favourite spots, whilst
Roger sped up to Hereford arriving at 1330.
Staying with Sarah, Dave and Esme Hider in Hereford. They are old friends of ours from
Exeter and very welcoming: we are honoured that we are staying here when
they only moved in 10 days ago.
It was great for R to arrive so early. C&R played merrily with Esme in the
garden whilst R and I chilled. We had to bike shop: it's a new thing - each
town we are in we are now hunting for "LBS"s (Local Bike Shops to the
uninitiated) as Roger will need new pedals soon and perhaps a new tyre. We
then snuck off for a latte sans children before heading back to
Sarah&Dave's. Lovely!
Think we'll manage further north than Shrewsbury tomorrow. Perhaps Wem.
We're just booking campsite now. It's allegedly got a heated pool. Hard
life eh?!
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Sat 28 July: Day 6: Hereford-WemMap |
| Weather: |
HOT, very sunny. Wind in face but not too strong. |
| Distance: |
67.00 miles; average speed 14.9 mph |
| Roger says: |
Pleased with average speeed, it's quite flat around here.
Plan to bypass Chester tomorrow, and head straight for the north. Not quite sure how to tackle getting
past Manchester.
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| Ruth says: |
Visited Stokesay Castle (between Ludlow and Craven Arms, just off A49). Special event day, so sat in shade (v.hot!)
watching a play. Great! Girls engrossed.
Impressively, Roger managed two bike shops on his way through Ludlow. I had to detour to collect the gear!
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Sun 29 July: Day 7: Wem-ChorleyMap |
| Weather: |
Windy today, my enemy! Still v. hot. |
| Distance: |
82.01 miles; average speed 13.9 mph |
| Roger says: |
Staying at Chorley tonight [between Bolton and Blackburn - ed]. Because of wind, felt
absolutely bananaed at the end. Still very hot, more hills tomorrow.
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| Ruth says: |
At our first ball pool, just south of Leigh. Very, very hot. Met Roger a few times today. He got lost
(erroneous map) in Northwich. I've detoured 30 miles to find him. He wasted 5 miles & 45 minutes. :(
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Mon 30 July: Day 8: Chorley-Kirkby LonsdaleMap |
| Weather: |
Windy, fairly sunny. |
| Distance: |
52.40 miles; average speed 12.6 mph |
| Roger says: |
Camping at Kirkby Lonsdale. Felt zonked all day. Very hilly, climbing out of Slaidburn took 9 miles.
Hope to make it to Carlisle tomorrow, feeling fitter I hope.
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| Ruth says: |
Had a great day, stopped in Clitheroe, and found a v. nice launderette where they did my washing whilst
I had coffee and played in the park/sun with the girls. Sorted! Drove over foot and mouth affected Dales,
empty but stunning views.
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Tues 31 July: Day 9: Kirkby Lonsdale-GretnaMap |
| Weather: |
Windy, fairly sunny. |
| Distance: |
78.99 miles; average speed 13.7 mph |
| Roger says: |
Arrived in Scotland, camping at Gretna. Today's ride was OK, the first half, up the Kirkstone Pass,
was hard, but not as hard as I expected. It was real fun going down though! Will be staying in
Glasgow tomorrow night, and may even make it that far by bike (otherwise need to go back on Thursday).
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| Ruth says: |
Had a good day with the girls. Met Roger for a cup of tea in Glen Ridding then went to Pooley Bridge, hired
a boat and rowed the girls on Ullswater. Views of Helvellyn range were stunning, on this sunny day.
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Weds 1 August: Day 10: Gretna-LarkhallMap |
| Weather: |
Windy, fairly sunny. |
| Distance: |
70.26 miles; average speed 15.1 mph |
| Roger says: |
Good day. Gradients overs the Southern Uplands gentle, and the wind really helped. Followed the old A74 all
the way - nice quiet road with no need to use the variable quality cycle path. Now staying with John and
Jacqueline in Glasgow although will return to Larkhall tomorrow to finish the 20 miles or so back into Glasgow, then
have a rest for the remainder of the day and Friday as planned.
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| Ruth says: |
Getting quicker at breaking camp each day - off by 0930 today. Met up with Roger a couple of times. Had to buy
new road atlas as ours didn't have M74 on! Found great park in Moffat which had water fountains, play area and
lake. Hired pedalo swan (I know, not really kayaking stuff, but you have to take any opportunity to 'paddle' which
arises don't you?!) which I managed to ground on shallow water (!). Girls thought it very exciting and after 20
mins of pedalling felt sympathy with Roger. Now in Glasgow at John and Jacqueline's. It'll be great to spend a
few days here chilling out before heading north for the next stint.
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Thurs 2 August: Day 11: Larkhall-GlasgowMap |
| Weather: |
Wet, very wet [it is Glasgow, after all - ed], but not too unpleasant. |
| Distance: |
18.38 miles; average speed 13.4 mph |
| Roger says: |
Had a really easy ride from just outside Glasgow in the rain. I should have done it yesterday really, but it was nice to get out and
spin the legs for a few miles. I cycled most of the way with Tony Stephenson, another End-to-Ender who started from Land's End the day after me. Tony is from Nottingham and is raising
money for John Port School, Derby, and Willowbrook Primary, Keyworth, Nottinghamshire. All the best Tony - you'll reach John O'Groat's a day earlier than me!
I really enjoyed chatting with you (and sharing the navigation through the streets of Glasgow). More rest tomorrow, then a fairly hard day to Glencoe in prospect on Saturday.
Hopefully it'll dry up a bit!
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| Ruth says: |
I dropped Roger off where he finished yesterday then came straight back to John & Jacqueline's. Rog got back at about 1230 and I went for a swim -
really good; I've missed it. We all had lunch then off to a (dry) indoor play area with the girls. They disappeared on slides and ball pools, reappearing for
sips of Coke now and again! We read books and had a fairly quiet hour or so. I'm looking forward to a bit of shopping tomorrow - hopefully without the girls!
It's nice to have the rest - I'm still quite tired.
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| John & Jacqueline say: |
It's really nice to have the team here in Glasgow. Caitlin came and woke us up this morning (Riona still in
deep sleep). The girls then found great pleasure in our laundry basket (!), and managed to round up all
the "cuddlies" in the house. They helped John to dig potatoes. Riona was most efficient at picking up spuds
from the earth.
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Fri 3 August: Day 12: Rest Day-Glasgow |
| Weather: |
Cloudy turning sunny |
| Distance: |
2 miles (to park and back); average speed 2.06 mph |
| Roger says: |
Nice rest. Got up late. Went shopping. Plan for tomorrow is to cycle up to Glen Coe but we'll see how it goes. Most Youth Hostels up here
don't take children under 5. Aargh! Have managed to find caravan for tomorrow and the YH in Cannich takes wee ones so we're sorted for
accommodation for a couple of nights. Weather report variable for tomorrow - but this is Scotland after all so we'll see.
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| Ruth says: |
Slept nearly 12 hours last night - all here impressed. At least I'm not so grumpy today (!). It has stopped raining. After dropping
Roger in the rain yesterday Caitlin turned to me and asked "is it summer in Scotland Mummy?". You'd never guess! Shopped this afternoon
and discovered Next Sale: in my element (not the side of Ruth that most people see!) and bored Roger and girls headed for nearest Baskin
Robbins to sample icecream. It's our last night in Glasgow so we're making the most of civilised eating before we're back to pasta,
pasta with a hint of......pasta. Roger and John are planning to start at 0800 tomorrow so I'm back to packing the van/children before
heading off. Looking forward to being back on the road: hope I haven't lost too much impetus!
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| John & Jacqueline say: |
Jacqueline said "I'm off to work, see you later."
John said "Great day with girls including coco pops, colouring in on the computer, coffee at Pret á Manger and chaos at the playground.
Planted seeds and picked strawberries - including the green ones (Riona). Oh, and I managed to break Java in between.
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Sat 4 August: Day 13: Glasgow-Glencoe |
| Weather: |
Showers heavy but short. Cool but not cold. |
| Distance: |
93.08 miles (a new daily record); average speed 14.1 mph |
| Roger says: |
At Glencoe (just E of Ballachulish) -
detailed map.
Caravan very comfy. Feel pleased with progress today.
Gradients fairly gentle. Cycle route out of Glasgow a bit confusing, they're usually clear, but I
had to ask for help twice. Very surprised that I didn't get a puncture (lots of glass).
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| Ruth says: |
I picked Roger up after 80 miles, but he elected to return to complete the last
15 miles. We had a good day. However, I'm lready finding Scotland tricky as (a) rainy, (b)far fewer child-orientated
things and (c) all I want to do is climb a mountain, but all I am doing is playgrounds! Found two nice playgrounds today.
Picked up two German hitch-hikers who were very nice company for me for a bit. Caravan in Glencoe is a
bit basic, but it's only one night. Girls happy!
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Sun 5 August: Day 14: Glencoe-Drumnadrochit |
| Weather: |
VERY WET morning. Felt cold all day, despite Ron Hills
[Track suit bottoms, I only found that out yesterday - ed] |
| Distance: |
69.50 miles; average speed 15.1 mph |
| Roger says: |
Felt like a long day today, but made it to Milton, just past Drumnadrochit -
detailed map.
Staying in Cannich Youth Hostel tonight (one of only three in Scotland that take under-5's). Managed to meet all
three canal [Caledonian canal, through the Great Glen - ed] bridges as they were letting
boats through. Aiming for Lairg tomorrow.
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| Ruth says: |
Had a fine day. Roger had the rain (poor chap) whilst I had sun in Fort William.
Girls very good at this type of holiday - very flexible and have learnt the skill of spotting playgrounds at 500 m.
Quote of the day from Caitlin: "I'm going to hug Daddy's legs because they have been busy today."
Passed lost of interesting places today, will have to come back again.
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Mon 6 August: Day 15: Drumnadrochit-Lairg |
| Weather: |
Fine but cool. |
| Distance: |
59.38 miles; average speed 14.5 mph |
| Roger says: |
Got to
Lairg.
Began with 1:6 climb for a mile! Rest fairly flat. Good views.
Started from here 0915 Tuesday am. Perhaps make Thurso but rain forecast and it's cold.
We are not desperate to make John O'Groats today. Probably Wednesday morning....
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| Ruth says: |
Guess where Caitlin and Riona have been Mon afternoon? Yes, a playground in Lairg!
[They could write a Good Playground Guide now - ed]
Inverness good Mon morning. River stroll pleasant and we viewed a piper from McDonalds!
Stayed in railway carriage in Rogart Monday night. Most comfortable. Girls v.excited.
Went swimming at Golspie. Views offshore stunning.
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Tues 7 August: Day 16: Lairg-Reay |
| Weather: |
Fine but cool, strong easterly wind. |
| Distance: |
62.26 miles; average speed 13.4 mph |
| Roger says: |
Got to
Reay.
Hard day mentally rather than physically, but the last 20 miles were hardest due to a strong headwind.
Hope it's a westerly tomorrow. Only about 35 miles to go, much of which should be flat.
Glorious views to Dunnet Head and Orkney from the caravan (at Thurso). It was great to cycle through
some great scenery.
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| Ruth says: |
Tired tonight but good day. Views across Sutherland lowlands breathtaking. Blue skies too.
Met Roger for lunch in a cafe at Bettyshill then rockpooled with girls at Portskerra, a tiny fishing cove.
Scenery today very reminiscent of Lewis [but different geology - ed].
Now at Thurso appreciating great view of Dunnet Head and Orkneys!
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Weds 8 August: Day 17: Reay-John O'Groats |
| Weather: |
Fine weather |
| Distance: |
32.94 miles; average speed 15.4 mph
[Total distance: 970.86 miles] |
| Roger says: |
Arrived at John O'Groats at 12.45 pm. Hooray!! Had to wait 10 mins for Ruth and the girls
as they were having too much fun at Dounreay visitor centre. Ruth has given me a mini-Glenfiddich!
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| Ruth says: |
Yipee! Roger can do some driving now.
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