Monday 19 September 2011

Day 9. Tue 23rd Aug. Kirkby Stephen to Ecclefechan. 72 Miles


Into Scotland !

After another sumptuous breakfast at the pristine 'White Gill House', Barbara and Kens lovely place with views to the Cumbrian Hills. Dave, Robin and I did the short walk through the alleyway to meet the others who were staying at the rather grubby Black Bull Hotel.
By far our worst meal and service so far on this trip.



View from window at White Gill House
We had to dig all the bikes out of the cellar as Jenny, Jane and Dave's bikes were first in so at the back of the pile. Because the Posh had got a lift to their castle yesterday afternoon their bikes were  slobbing it in 2* with ours. As they probably wouldn't be woken by the chamber maids for at least another hour, we thought they wouldn't appreciate us leaving them outside. Although there was no way they were going back down the cellar, so I popped in to see the chef at the Black Bull and negotiated the use of the grot pit we had eaten in the previous night. Leaving their bikes at the mercy of the rats and cockroaches in the dining area(only kidding) we set off for SCOTLAND.




Eden Valley
Another 50 miles before first stop for Jane and I today. Then a mere 22 miles to Ecclefechan( a name that we had been practicing for a while now) and Scotland. We weren't exactly basking in sunshine but it was a warm high clouded morning with no prospect of any rain.
We cycled along lovely traffic free roads through the EDEN VALLEY encountering the occasional steep climb, the first being at NEWGIGGIN after 18 miles, just to warm the legs up. You notice I'm getting so blase' about the hills now...  Mostly the roads were undulating along the valley. The next climb was just after ARMATHWAITE but only a short sharp one at 35 miles.



We crossed the river EDEN at WARWICK BRIDGE after which we got back onto the cycle network until the busy A689. Around which we apparently passed Hadrians Wall, but I didn't spot it.
Along the A689 we stopped for lunch at the large and rather plush 'HOUGHTON HALL GARDEN CENTRE'. Leaving our bikes outside and locked up. I would recommend if you should ever venture in to take the bikes around the back as the Cafe' is deep into the bowels of the centre, but does have an outside area where I noticed other bikes were left.
We had our usual Soup and the customary cake with tea and coffee. Smaller portions of soup now I noticed.  Very Nice (Jenny) none the less.
45 minutes later and we were on our way to the border. Via cycle network 7 crossing the river ESK at LONGTOWN and finally the river SARK and into SCOTLAND.
No official welcome to Scotland sign here, as it is a small country lane. Tony however had been a busy boy this morning as we found a 'Bike Adventures welcomes you to Scotland' sign planted in the grass just over the river. Very thoughtful.








Only a few winding lanes and we found ourselves at the resplendent 'CRESSFIELD HOTEL'.
it must have been rather grand looking as Jane took a rare photo.
We stowed our bikes into the hotels large conference centre , helped by the manager who had a baby in arms. Then we trotted off to our rooms. Mine was spacious and clean although the view out of the window to the caravan park a little disappointing.
An hour and a half later Jenny and Dave arrived followed shortly by Caroline and her boys.
As we were in Scotland Jane had a couple of Whiskies, Tennants for me. Och eye!
We were led into the almost opulent restaurant for our evening meal at 7.30. Which was one of the best of the tour so far. Although not quite matching the feast we had at Clitheroe on Sunday. 

You can view today's ride by following this link..

 http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/169783100

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