Today - Scotland awaits. Out of Penrith towards Carlisle.
It starts well enough - lovely rolling lanes through the North Lakes on the edge of the National Park. A brew stop and then, before we know it, we’re here.
Cornwall seems like a decade ago. More than 600 miles on now. Within minutes of crossing the border, rain. And then the dullest of roads. Running parallel to the A74 it’s the old main road to Glasgow, Edinburgh and beyond. Featureless, badly surfaced but devoid of any traffic. No houses, businesses, human beings. A ghost road. Nothing to take your mind off the task in hand. And the task in hand involves another 40 miles of riding through the rain on a road designed to destroy the soul.
Good job then that we’re checked into the best cycling hotel in the world. The Buccleuch Arms Hotel in Moffat. This is the impressive stairwell….
Run by an eccentric motorcyclist from Zimbabwe and his two sons, absolute quality. Incredible service, drying room for our soggy kit and bike storage. Frequented by bikers, cyclists and walkers. Incredible food too.
Smoked haddock and poached eggs for breakfast! We’ll need it. 80 miles to Loch Lomond is next up……