To the Border.

We woke up having had a comfortable nights rest and had a full Scottish breakfast.  Although rested for the night the overall level of Richard's fatigue was beginning to add up.  We said goodbye to our hosts, Joe and Mary, at the Eccelfechan Hotel Like old family friends and we vowed to return.  This is an exceptional establishment with hosts to match, and that makes a big difference.

Loaded up, and having released the stand on Richard's bike, we turned South and once again followed the B7076, and it's cycle lane, over the gently undulating landmass that surrounds the Solway Firth.  Richard made good progress, almost as if he was in his stride while Lorraine was having one of those off days where things seem to be harder.  

A few miles before reaching the small settlement of Kirkpatrick Fleming the signed cycle route turned Westwards but we followed the road straight on through the village.  The cycle routes are generally the quietest roads to follow but by default take you on the longest pathway to your intended destination.  As traffic flow was not really that heavy we took the more direct route.  There was no real difference apart from not having a white line painted on the road that would protect your life no matter what.

It didn't take too long before we entered Gretna (AKA Gretna Green) famous for being the first town North of the border that eloping couples could get married without parental consent.  What had once been a small village, with Justice of the peace, has become a tourist based trap.  With about 3 or 4 genuine anvils and an established thriving marriage trade it's probably lost what romantic charms it may have once held.  We stopped at the retail outlet centre, to try and find a memento for Lorraine, before crossing back into England.

Keeping an eye out for the border sign we found a small, discrete post.  I was expecting something slightly larger, possibly more obvious but soon realised that it really depends on what road you cross by and this was a small back road.  We stopped for the obligatory photo's..   :)

Wee sign on the backroad just North of the Border

Lorraine at the border

Richard, pretending everything's OK   (Encephalitis)

All we had to do from hare was quite literally follow the back road in to Carlisle.  Which was fine till we got there.  Following basic directions, as we entered the Kingstown area, we soon had to ask for more directions but the people of Carlisle where genuine and soon we found the cycle track towards the town centre.  Looking at the maps we managed to get to the rail station where we booked some advanced tickets, with the help of the staff, at considerable discount.  Then we obtained inexpensive Accomadation  with an established chain of Travellers Inns while we rest up and await the trains home.

All in all this has been a wonderful experience.  Having managed this much, considering the difficulties in Encephalitis, we wouldn't have missed it for the world.  We have met some wonderful people, had good times, overcome some difficulties, and seen some views to die for.

This is not an end, just a halt between tours really.  We will keep this blog running for each tour we go on in the future so you can share in our experiences as we go.  

This has been the most amazing experience and a great introduction to cycle touring we have learnt a lot. The future is bright the future is bicycle shaped.