We set off from Penrith up the A6 to Carlisle - 40 minutes in - a spot of rain. So we stopped to put the waterproofs on just in case. By the time we had got the jackets and trousers out - it was hailing. It wasn’t warm rain like the other day. It was hammering down cold rain, - which continued unabating for the rest of the day after 67 miles! We stopped in Carlisle after 20 miles to get a snack and a coffee to warm up, We were still laughing about the rain at that point - full waterproofs, over shoes etc.. We continued up the A7 and into Scotland. I found it quite emotional. I know we won’t finish until next Friday but I have cycled all the way to Scotland - me! Who’d have thought it. We carried on towards Langholm with the prospect of a coffee and a sit down to warm us up. - Saturday - Langholm was shut! We got some snacks and an energy drink from a shop and sheltered for warmth. That was a real low point today. Still over 30 miles to go. At this point I should say thank you to my lovely husband Martin for keeping me going. I cried twice today - once for joy on reaching Scotland and once standing in the rain in Langholm at the prospect of another 37 miles in the cold pouring rain. We set off and within 10 minutes we were in another world - the rain was the same but the scenery - wow. Off the A7 and the traffic and onto the B709 to Eskdalemuir and into the Scottish Borders. The road continuously climbed - gradually higher and higher - pine forests, hills , crofts , rivers, even in the pouring rain - spectacular. The miles clocked up, the rain poured down - the road became more remote and then we came across Samye Ling Tibeten Centre! 12 miles to go, still raining, cold beyond wet. The last 8 miles all downhill following the river - getting wider and faster. We both agreed this route would be spectacular on a nice day. We were glad of the downhill but only to get to the end quicker - too cold and wet to really appreciate the view. We arrived bedraggled and tired to the welcoming sight of the Tushielaw Inn a remote spot no mobile signal but a warm bed and dinner. Typing this in bed tonight watching the tv - the weather forcast for tomorrow is severe weather warning 100mm of rain. Hmm! We are heading towards Edinburgh surely it can’t be as bad as today.
Julia
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| No need for the factor 50 today! |
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| Is that it - all you get for cycling to Scotland? |
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| Hmmmm over or around? |
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| Tibetan Monastery - what else? |
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