The Bike Ride
LEJOG - Land's End to John o' Groats
12-28th May 2006

Day 10 - Sunday 21st May - The journey to…

Written by Anthony

Well, who would have thought it? Finland's 'Hard Rock Hallelujah' wins Eurovision.

After two very long days, it was with some trepidation (and sore knees) that we left Dumfries and headed northwest towards Ayr over the Glen Kens – territory completely unknown to us.

It was a pleasure indeed to discover that in this part of the country at least, Scotland has good mountain roads, with long, gentle climbs and downhills, and virtually no cars; just fantastic scenery and dangerous wildlife (see photo!).

After the anticlimax of reaching Scotland yesterday, it’s begun to live up to my expectations.

The sunshine and tailwind, however, have thoroughly dashed Steven’s expectations, with storms, persistent rain and headwinds (ever the optimist). Somehow, I feel I may be the naïve one.

As we came closer to Ayr, the mountain scenery gave way to opencast mines and purpose-built villages to support them.

The small village of Hollybush where we are staying tonight is a somewhat different affair, with a fantastically hospitable inn, albeit completely dry of malt whisky after a Saturday night party.

The local “old bastard”, Dave, and his friend, Greg, having spotted our bikes parked by the smokers' table (no smoking indoors in Scotland), evidently considered us sportsmen and challenged us to a prolonged darts international.

Prolonged on account of our poor throwing, poor arithmetic and inability to hold our drink. So, for once, Scotland beat England and Wales, but a relaxing night was had.

Beware the dangerous wildlife of Scotland!

Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

DumfriesInverkip