In heavy rain we sneaked across the border on an unmarked bridge over the River Sark into Burns country (poem below).
We arrived at the Nith Hotel later than usual but once I had bled the radiator in our room we got warm and enjoyed a meal overlooking the River Nith
Robert Burns on the Anglo-Scottish Treaty of Union.
Fareweel to a' our Scottish fame, Fareweel our ancient glory; Fareweel ev'n to the Scottish name, Sae fam'd in martial story. Now Sark rins over Solway sands, An' Tweed runs to the ocean, To mark where England's province stands- Such a parcel of rogues in a nation!"
The coffee shop at the Blacksmith's cottage at Gretna Green was filling up with coach parties. A local cyclist told us that this site now hosts weddings from all over the world and as we talked the rain turned to snow, perhaps to help romanticise this scene!
The rain and snow cleared and we were able to see back across the Solway and the Cumbrian Coast.
Sue has found her cycling legs now and is driving a faster pace resulting in our highest average speed!
We pressed on past Brow Well where Burns came to try to cure his worsening ailments. By the time we reached Caerlaverock Castle the sun was shining and our second tea shop seemed appropriate. This fine medieval fortress has a complete moat that remains full- this is Scotland after all!
Figures:
Distance:- 54.8 km
Cycle Time:- 3 hours 38 minutes
Average speed:- 15.1 kph
Total Distance:- 1531 km
No comments:
Post a Comment