Photos - the other photos that aren't on the Blog

This link should take you to Photobox. I haven't had time to title the photos yet.

http://photos.orange.co.uk/album/396171222

Click on Slideshow and it should all work.

Day 24 - Thurso to John o'Groats - last day of this trip, what's next?

We enjoyed a meal in the Red Pepper in Thurso. Woke up on Monday to blue skies and a warmer day. When we arrived at the B&B we were the only people there. When we came back from the meal we found another 5 bikes with the tandem. 3 of the other cyclists disappeared before we had breakfast as they had been to John o'Groats on the Sunday and were catching a train home. The other couple asked us about the tandem and our trip. When we asked them about their trip it transpired that they were on the North Sea Cycle Route ( http://www.northsea-cycle.com/ ) and had 2 more months to do and about 2750 mile to go. We set off and decided to visit Dunnet Head, the most northerly point on the mainland, an extra few miles but worth it for the views. Then back on the main road and towards JOG. Landscape changed to lower, flatter and more farmed land. We arrived at JOG about 1.30, posted a few cards, got the stamp to say we had finished and had some food. There were a number of end-to-enders there and a few more arrived as we sorted ourselves out. Ben texted to say he was south of Wick so we decided to set off towards Wick and meet Ben. We met up about an hour later, loaded the tandem and set off home. The trip in the car was great, some areas we had not been through and a number we had. The day stayed clear and the views were great. Arrived home 12.30.

 A great trip, We will post a few more pictures and comments in the next few days. Ann (stoker ) has threatened to post a few comments!!

Day 23 - Tongue to Thurso - blue skies, blue sea, golden beaches ..

After a good meal and night in the Tongue Hotel we woke to clear blue skies. We set off on what we knew was going to be a hard morning in terms of climbing, but the views in every direction were just amazing. We passed rivers,Lochs, beaches and mountains. Solitary houses and small hamlets. Houses with the most amazing outlooks and it stayed clear, though the wind did remind us that it didn't follow the rules. We finally got to Thurso about 4.30 after a very good day, not as hard as we thought and only 20 or so miles to do tomorrow. An excellent B&B with views to the Orkneys and the Old Man. Looking forward to tomorrow.

Day 22 - Lairg to Tongue - The north coast of Scotland

Lairg was a very small village, but had all we needed and we managed to get on the road reasonably early. We were very soon on the A road, single track with passing places. A long gentle climb up to Crask Inn. Then it rained all the way down to Altnaharra. We saw the hotel and decided to go in. There were 2laden Thorn bikes outside.(The tandem is a Thorn) They were just starting going south. Shortly after 3 other cyclists arrived, they were like us nearly finished. As we left another 6 arrived. The rain continued most of the way to Tongue. The landscape had opened out, some high forbidding looking hills, trees had gone. Evidence of peat cutting was visible along the route. Could not find anywhere for lunch, the sun failed us today so we resorted to the bivvy tent. We finally saw the sea loch Kyle of Tongue and rolled down to the hotel. Great room, hot bath and complemenary sherry, followed by a very enjoyable meal.

Day 21 - Tain to Lairg - a shorter day to allow a more leisurely pace

A later start due to our chatty hosts. The rain started as we left. Today was planned as a shorter easier day and so it proved to be. We avoided the bridge with steps at Invershin, though we did stop and walk over the bridge. A footbridge bolted onto the side of the rail bridge. On to the Shin Falls. The centre is owned by the guy who owns Harrods. A sit down lunch and the onto Ferrycroft visitors centre. Then an early finish in Lairg. Have now booked Sundays accommodation, our last night before we meet up with Ben for our return.

Day 20 - Inverness to Tain - no ferry, so through Dingwall

A wet morning in Inverness. Over the Kessock Bridge, some stunning views, even in the rain. Found some new cycle routes which ironed out some of the meanderings of the original route. It stayed wet, one shower after another most of the day, except a sunny spell for our lunch break. The single cyclist who was camping that we met a couple of days ago stopped and chatted. He was on his last 2 days of his tour and would be heading home the following day. Got to Tain and found a B&B. It was run by an elderly couple, yes older than us, from Yorkshire. They were unbelievably chatty but very pleasant. A good meal at The Royal Hotel.

Day19 - Kincraig to Inverness - another pass another day

We left Kincraig and sped along a B road to Aviemore. A lot of development here since my last visit. 30 years ago by my reckoning. Much more snow visible on Cairngorm. A strong v.cold wind, did I mention a HEADWIND. The climb up to Slochd Pass was gradual and we made good time. After that the route was mainly downhill, but it did get colder, we had layers and layers on, winter gloves and fleece headbands. Stopped at Clava Cairns, a 5000 year old burial site. Then off to Inverness. As we got close we had hail, just to bolster our spirits. Found a B&B close to the town centre which should mean a choice of restaurants for tonight. We have discovered the Cromarty ferry is not running as it is not fully built yet. A pity as it is the smallest UK ferry carrying just 4 cars. Alternate route is no further and looks flatter, much to Ann's relief.

Day 18 - Blair Atholl to Kincraig, near Aviemore

After a good meal at Blair Atholl Arms, which had a magnificent galleried dining room. A good nights sleep we were ready for the Drumochter Pass. Ann had read it was a 16 mile ascent. This proved to be true, but at such a gentle gradient that we got there with an average speed of 8mph. It was a very remote, cold and dramatic. At times we could see virtually no evidence of man at all. Very big open scenes, snow still lingering on gullies and north facing slopes. After the ascent we had the descent, which was almost as long and took us most of the way to Kingussie. We made such good time we decided to carry on a bit further in order to cut down tomorrows mileage. We have a lovely B&B , with views over the loch and The Cairngorms behind.

Day 17 - Killin to Blair Atholl - more sun and views

The first part of today's ride was along Loch Tay, some remnants of snow on the higher peaks and lots of glorious views, punctuated by quiet leafy lanes. We commented that up to now, from Lands End, we had not seen another tandem. What do they say about buses? Well 2 tandems zoomed past us on a long downhill(for them) and both heavily laden as we are. later on we saw another tandem and they waved a we sped past them. After Aberfeldy the valley opened out and the views changed, much more farmland but wonderful colours. Bluebells everywhere. Pitlochry seemed small but we managed a cappuccino and cake before we set off on the final few miles to Blair Atholl.
I have added more photos below.

Day 16 - Balloch to Killin - All NCN route 7 - Great ride

Our B&B in Balloch was a mile out but the walk in for the meal did us good. Set off in glorious sunshine and it stayed like that all day. The route took us past Aberfoyle, Callander and Lochearnhead. Following small lanes, then along the river and finally an old rail track along to Glen Ogle, where we could see the main road far below. A spectacular route. Julia Bradbury (?) walked part of it on one of her TV walks and it is great. A good example of the Sustrans routes taking a bit longer, being a bit slower but the advantage of no traffic and glorious views. Arrived in Killin and found a great B&B.

Day 15 - Lanark to Balloch - along the Clyde and into Glasgow

Another excellent day weatherwisw. A good run into Larkhall and on to Uddingston. Some parts very busy. At Uddingston we joined NCN route75 which quickly took us down to the Clyde. Such a contrast to the busy roads. Very few people and a good, clearly marked route. It got busy as we got closer to the centre. We came across a diversion due to a new bridge building. Here a long stretch af the builders fencing had been pulled Dow onto the path which made it impossible to ride. After this we began to see the city and all of a sudden we appeared close to the centre. A great way to enter a big city. Along past the SNEC and lunch. Out to Bowling, alongthe canal and then north to Loch Lomond. Balloch was very busy but we soon found our B&B. A very good day. Fingers crossed for weather tomorrow.

Would a bigger bike help?

Day 14 - Lockerbie to Lanark -warm sunny no wind

Sey off from Lockerbie and were almost immediately flagged down by a runner, he was running from John o'Groats to Lands End and had lost his support vehicle. As we couldn't help him he set off into Lockerbie to search. The route was good with a cycle lane or sometimes a cycle "road" and very little traffic. Lots of big views, and really empty areas. Then met a road cyclist who knew the group we met in Cornwall and was going to do Lejog in a couple of weeks time. Finally into Lanark after a good day on the bike and found our b&b. Cleaned up and walked into town, past a police cordon area where someone had been stabbed. Apparently this was not usual for Lanark. Great Italian meal.

Day 13 - TS to Lockerbie - on the road again...

We seemed to have lots of things to do and sort out at home, so not so much of a rest. Seemed to take an age to get started this morning, but once we were on the bike and away it was fine. Agood fast run into Penrith and up to Carlisle. The route beside the motorway has been signedand is new good Tarmac and flat, therefore fast(by our standards). Into Gretna and Scotland. We will be in Scotland longer than England or Wales. Through Ecclefechan and on to Lockerbie. The route is the old A74 and criss crosses the motorway often. We hear traffic noise but don't see any traffic. Better timing, arrived at the hotel just before 5, and it was on the route so no searching around.

Not sure here about route finding skills

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Day of rest rethink - some schedule changes

We thought over what we wanted and decided that some shorter days would be better than rest days. I have changed the schedule below. Then we can have a more leisurely pace and enjoy the route.

A suitable reminder from Morgan

Thanks Morgan

Day 13 Lancaster to Temple Sowerby - blue sky - warm - tailwind - great

Set off from Lancaster along the canal, slower than the roads but very enjoyable. We kept getting glimpses of Morecombe bay on the one side and then the lakeland fells further ahead. After we left the canal it was fairly flat for a while then the ups and downs of Cumbria started to make their presence felt. Weather stayed good all day. Ann put her shorts on!! Stopped to buy lunch in Kendal and then set off for Shap along A6, having done it once before we knew what we were in for, but had not found any better alternative route. We still managed to get to the high point without walking, but it is a hard and long climb. But every up has a down and this is a long down which was great. Arrived back in Eden Meadows just after six. A great day in terms of weather, views and being home.

Photos of Ann by the Millenium Bridge in Lancaster and me at the top of  Shap on A6.

Day 12 - Southport to Lancaster. More sun - less wind

We set off along the beach road in Southport, which is about 3 miles which was very enjoyable,flat and speedy. We then decided to take the lanes rather than the main road as they were mainly very quiet. This took us to Leyland and a cycle route into Preston, through the parks and fairly quickly up to the B road we followed alongside the A6. Mainly on the B roads with a few short forays onto the A6. It had these cycle verges that every now and then just Ended. What are we meant to do? Leap off, vertical take off? Closer to Lancaster we found a great route, The Lune Valley Trail, which followed the river right into the centre of Lancaster. A very enjoyable route, and in the distance we could see what is in store tomorrow, the Lakeland fells. But then it will be home for a short recuperate then off for part 2.

This is the reason the SUSTRANS Routes can be a pain. The gates only cater for single bikes. What about Tag alongs, tricycles, recumbents, child trailers, disabled cycle users etc. Great routes spolit by a serious lack of thought.

Day 11 - Ferry across the Mersey and sunshine

We left Minera at 9.30 as planned ( a Jones record). Agood route to Birkenhead with a number of good fast cycle lanes. Other roads were busy but Sunday traffic so almost no lorries. Caught the ferry to Pier Head Liverpool. A great way to arrive in Liverpool. The area is looking great with the new museum built and opening within the year. We had lunch, in the sun outside the Liver Building. En route to Southport we diverted to cycle along Crosby beach and see Gormley's "Another Place" figures. Back onto lanes around Little Crosby, Hightown and Formby, then on the cycleway to Southport. It was bustling and busy, many dressed as though it was the med. No one in the sea swimming. We cycled all the way along the beach road before we realised we had to cycle all the way back on the other side of the pools that seperate the hotels and streets from the beachfront. Found the hotel and our room has a seaview , we can see Blackpool Tower and the Pleasure Beach. The sea has gone out an awful long way. Both pleased to note we have passed 500 miles today.

Day 10 - Ellesmere to Minera (Eileen's )

A good nights sleep, the prospect of a shorter day and the sun was shining. The warmest start so far. A good run to Chirk, a few minor wrong turns, including up a hill that we then had to come back down, but we managed to get to Dyma-Fo without pushing the bike at all. Now all clothes are in for a wash and a lazy afternoon.
450 miles so far!

Day 9 - Ludlow to Ellesmere

A good start today as we headed out to Wenlock Edge. Some steady climbs took us upwards but it did not look as daunting up close as it did the previous night as we approached Ludlow and could see the edge in the distance. We climbed up a small valley that was very peaceful and quiet, with lovely houses and views. Only the last part got really steep. Down to Church Stretton and then on to Shrewsbury, which took us quite a while to negotiate our way through. We decided to stop at Ellesmere as the last 22 miles to Minera (Eileen's) was more hilly and finished with a long pull up which we thought would be better approached fresh tomorrow. We had some difficulty finding accommodation in Ellesmere, the first place was very rough, the second was full but The Red Lion had a room and did food.

Day 8 - Monmouth to Ludlow - 13 May Thursday

Fairly good weather all day. Steep climb out of Monmouth then a good rolling run to Hereford and on to Leominster. We were then over taken by a supported group also going to John o'Groats. A mixed group of friends who all chatted as they went past us. We caught up with them outside a pub in Ludlow and the tandem was admired by all. The group were doing about 70 miles a day so would finish well before us. Ludlow was very quiet, we found a restaurant, The Olive Branch, and had a very enjoyable meal but we were their only customers. It was better to finish early and have time to wander round Ludlow and see some of the amazing buildings.

Day 7 - Bath to Monmouth

Mark led us into Bath and out to the start of the Railway Path to Bristol. Agreat path, gene gradients and a quick ride into Bristol. The NCN route 41 took us out of Bristol along the Avon gorge which was great. Quiet and amazing views. Out to Avonmouth and over the Avon Bridge, again the views were great. Then a fairly flat run to the Severn Bridge.that was impressive, we were the only cyclists on the bridge. Quickly into Chepstow where we decided to press on to Monmouth. Some steep climbs at the begining but agood downhill into Monmouth. Have a room above an Italien restaurant. The Sustrans route are very good, apart from the gates, but they are slower than the roads. We had nearly 30 miles traffic free today. Photos of The Avon Gorge and Suspension Bridge and the Severn crossing

Rest day.

We had a very pleasant day off. Caught up with washing and a bit of maintenance on the bike. Mark loaned us some clips to replace the one that broke on the panniers and tidied up the repair to the drag brake. Otherwise we enjoyed a restful day and looked at the next bit of the route. I added a few photos below.
Here is one of us both fresh and clean at Jane and Marks.

Day 6 - planned shorter day-met Jane & Mark at Dundas Aqueduct

After a very pleasant stay in Glastonbury we left en route for Wells, Radstock and then Bath. Some lovely queit lanes, back into hilly country, but not on a Cornish scale. Weather warmer and sunny. The wind is still against us. It was great to meet Jane and Mark and lead us back to their place. Even better we have use of the washing machine. A total of 270 miles to date. So a rest day before we set off again. I met an elderly gentleman in Radstock who had started cycling 2 years ago and was fascinated by the tandem and our trip. He chatted on for ages before setting off on his ride.
Glastonbury Tor right behind Ann.

Day 5 Wind against us again - flatter ride and first 60+ ride

Set off from Copplestone early and although the roads were better there were still some very steep climbs(walks). Made Taunton by 3.00 and had Devon Pasties. Then set off on the Somerset Levels because they are FLAT. Made good time and stopped in Glastonbury. A good day apart from the cold headwind. At Taunton we saw a well laden single cyclist who waved. Not long after leaving Taunton Ann noticed we were being followed, and very closely by the same cyclist. We stopped after a while and he said he hoped we didn't mind but he could not go that fAst on his own. He was German and had been on his tour for 8 months, taking in Africa, Spain and now UK. He still wanted to do Scandinavia before he stopped. He evetually left is going to the camp site near Glastonbury Tor. So I had 'towed' the german and Ann for the last 20 miles. We had a search for accomadation. But with only a seedy looking hostel on offer, I went off too search Further afield and found a really good B&B, Magdalene House. Ann is luxuriating in the bath as I type. All in all a good day. Tomorrow we start heading north and to Jane & Marks near Bath where we will have a day off and hopefully wash our clothes.

Day 4 more wind and rain - lovely countryside

Stayed in a thatched pub. Rained a fair bit today. Wind still against us. Managed to get to Okehampton but it took longer than expected. On to Crediton a lot quicker. On to Taunton and possibly Wells.

Ann's thatched Cottage (pub)

Day three:The beast of Bodmin

After spending the morning fixing the drag brake and the pannier, we left Bodmin at 1.15. followed the Camel Trail again this time to Wentford Bridge. A very pleasant ride, very flat and quiet.(saw no Camels again). Then up onto Bodmin Moor. Fairly flat and long straight roads and WIND, it should be with us but... We reckon the Beast is the wind. Lovely views on all sides. Gradually came down to Launceston through very pleasant countryside. A good day but shorter than planned.

Day 2 Ups and Downs

Today started wet. Followed The Miners Trail which was fine apart from the rain.saw a superb old VW camper. Lots of twists and turns and an hour later saw the camper again. Hills were sudden and steep. Drag brake failed, so will require attention tomorrow. Run to Padstow was good,scenery great and that led to The Camel Trail, which was another lovely FLAT run to Wadebridge. Hotel was great and a lovely meal, Trehellas House.

Day one - at last

On the road by 9.30 (a record for Ann) sunny and a mainly following wind. Good time to Lands End, and it was not quite as bad as expected, though half of it was closed and there weren't many people about. They did have to evacuate the hotel when we asked fo an End to End stamp -no connection at all. Finally with our paper stamped we set off, round the north coast to St. Ives. Almost rained but with our wind now against us the gods smiled and the sun shone. People on the beach at St.Ives, but no swimmers. On again to Hayle then Cambourne, Where we are staying tonight.Ann is running a bath,to sooth some achy bits. Total miles today 40. How many to go? Lots.

Journey down south

Left Ts at 8.30 cycled to Penrith in temp of 0 degrees. Train to London
cycled to Paddington - baptism by fire London traffic is worse than TS. Caught Penzance train with 1 minute to go. Arrived Penzance
19.45.
Had meal in Admiral Benbow a smugglers hideaway would you believe.
Now ready for day one.

Proposed route - may vary in reality

LANDS END TO JOHN O’GROATS MAY 2010
(JOHN & ANN’S BIG ADVENTURE!)
Days Route outline
Start Penrith to London to Penzance (train)
Day 1 Penzance to Lands End (start) to Cambourne via St Ives
Day 2 Cambourne to Wadebridge via Truro, Newquay & Padstow.
Day 3 Wadebridge to Okehampton via Bodmin, Camelford & Launceston.
Day 4 Okehampton to Taunton via Crediton & Wellington.
Day 5 Taunton to Bath via Wells, Radstock and the Collier’s Way
Day 6 Rest day in Bath!!
Day 7 Bath to Monmouth via Bristol, Severn Bridge & Chepstow.
Day 8 Monmouth to Ludlow via Leominster
Day 9 Ludlow to Minera (Dyma Fo) via Church Stretton, Shrewsbury, Ellesmere & Chirk
Day 10 Minera to Southport via Queensferry, Neston, Wallasey (ferry across the Mersey), Liverpool & Formby.
Day 11 Southport to Lancaster via Leyland & Preston
Day 12 Lancaster to Temple Sowerby via Carnforth, Milnthorpe, Kendal & Shap.
Day 13 Rest day at home!!
Day 14 Temple Sowerby to Lockerbie via Carlisle & Gretna.
Day 15 Lockerbie to New Lanark via Abbington
Day 16 New Lanark to Balloch via Glasgow, Dunbarton & Loch Lomond
Day 17 Balloch to Killin via Aberfoyle, Loch Venachar, Callander & Lochearnhead.
Day 18 Killin to Blair Atholl via Aberfeldy & Pitlochry.
Day 19 25/5/10 Blair Atholl to Kingussie. (37 miles)
Day 20 26/5/10 Kingussie to Inverness (43 miles)
Day 21 27/5/10 Inverness to Tain (34 miles)
Day 22 28/5/10 Tain to Lairg (28 miles)
Day 23 29/5/10 Lairg to Tongue (38 miles)
Day 24 30/5/10 Tongue to Thurso (43 miles)
Day 25 31/5/10 Thurso to John O’Groats (19 miles)
Day 26 1/5/10 John O’Groats to Temple Sowerby

Nearly time to leave for Lands End

Last longish ride before packing to leave. Cold and strong wind.Managed to find lots of long steep hills just to get the legs in trim.
Keen to get going now. Only the trains to deal with before we start on Wednesday morning.

I-touch test

Trying to sort this before we leave.

Sent from my iPod

Why?

Retirement means more time, so we aim to take more time and cycle from one end of the country to the other.