Journal Part 7 & 8
Thursday 6th August 09
We were give advice from the staff at the Slaidburn Hostel, about the best route to Carlisle. This was verified by someone at the Tourist Information, so therefore we took that advice. This was a mistake as we missed a turn off due to no road sign, and went 14 miles out of our way. This made the total mileage for today at 98!
Top tip - stick to the planned route on the map.
I nearly had a mishap with a deer that jumped out in front of me on the road whilst I was travelling at 27 mph. I only just managed to stop in time. I dread to think what would have happened otherwise, I am sure I would have come off worse. We didn’t get to the youth hostel until 8.45, just 15 minutes before the final check in. Tiredness took on a whole new meaning. But on the plus side we are still having fun. Despite the exhausting 98 miles we covered, we did go through some lovely countryside; we went through Kendal and Penrith and over some lovely Fell roads.
Run out of chafing cream, which is a crucial bit of kit, despite not thinking we would need it.
Friday 7th August 09
We had a late start this morning and 9 miles in to the trip we stopped at a lay-by cafe to get breakfast. It made a change no having to cook it. We knew we were close to the Scottish border now. A big milestone in the journey and one that made us feel that we were nearly home, although in reality it was more like half-way. We've had lots of emails and texts from family and friends which really lifted our spirits when we were feeling tired.
We arrived in Scotland mid morning. Another puncture for Malcolm delayed us just 6 miles outside of Lesmahagow which is where we have booked a B&B for the night. We stayed at Dykecroft Farm as there were no youth hostels handy. Although the B&B was not very much more expensive and hopefully we were guaranteed a full Scottish breakfast tomorrow morning.
