Getting up this morning we thought we were in for an easyish day as the route didn’t have too many hill climbs, BUT this was our 13th riding day! When loading our rear panniers we noticed that one of the bolts holding the rack to the bike had sheared off at sometime and was just sitting on the back wheelnut. With the help of the pub B&B landlord and a jubilee clip the problem was soon solved. So off we went heading north out of Nantwich. Just north of Nantwich we stopped on a bridge overlooking the lock at the Venetian Marina and watched the lock in operation. Certainly is an area of busy waterways.

The riverside cycle path at Winsford was closed to cyclists so we had to look for an alternative route. With the help of a lady taxi driver we were soon heading in the right direction towards Northwich but needed to get back onto the river path passed the closure to avoid the busy roads. A few miles on we stopped to ponder on which road to take when a very friendly and helpful gentleman called Jonathan guided us to a non obvious road which put us back on route (Thank you Jonathan). Arriving in Northwich which had had lots of redevelopment in the centre caused us confusion again on the way out of the town, but with the help of a friendly greengrocer the correct roads were found and we were soon back onto our favoured country lanes. We love the countryside and it’s fresh air although today the air was a little too fresh as it seemed every farmer in the area was muck spreading!

The route continued passed the entrance to Arley Hall and Gardens and over the M6 and soon after over the M56 (so much traffic on these).

As we crossed over the Bridgwater Canal at Arden something was obviously amiss from the back of Daisy, our first puncture of the adventure! Being prepared for this eventuality, the puncture was soon repaired and cause found. Re inflation was made easier by a friendly young canal boat dweller with a high pressure pump (much quicker than ours would have done it).

Back moving again we joined the Trans Pennine Trail along the old Warrington to Broadheath railway line towards Manchester and to our B&B for tonight in Sale. Hot meal tonight from the Brewers Fayre next door!

Not the easiest day but we managed to overcome all obstacles!

Total distance today 43 miles

Total Hill Climbs 880 ft

Yesterday’s ride ended and today’s began in Telford Town Park as last nights accommodation was within the complex there. We rode out of the park and over a very modern railway bridge, quite the opposite to the many bridges in the Telford and Ironbridge area we had been crossing.

After riding along cycle paths running alongside busy main roads for about 8 miles, it became more pleasant when we returned to the quiet country lanes. In the Lilleshall area we saw this odd pair of sculptures.

Soon after these we spotted the most amazing huge fields of giant colourful poppies. They went on almost as far as the eye could see.

We passed through Newport en route to Market Drayton and crossed the Shropshire Union Canal for the first time of many today.

Just before Market Drayton we found the perfect spot for our lunch. We had the place to ourselves!

Our ride today took us through many ancient villages such as Cheswardine, Norton in Hales and Audlem. We also cycled through a lovely sounding village called “Sound” ( earlier on our adventure we cycled through a village called “Hill” which was actually quite flat!)

As we approached Nantwich through grassy parkland we clocked up our 500th mile since leaving Land’s End! We then rode over the River Weaver to our B&B for 2 nights as it is rest day tomorrow!

Total distance today 41.5 miles

Total Hill Climbs today 1409 ft

Last night’s B&B had the elevated Severn Valley Steam Railway line towering over it. Today’s ride followed this line north on and off until Bridgnorth where the steam train reaches it’s destination before returning to Kidderminster. The route out of Bewdley climbed up and into The Wyre Forest National Nature Reserve which winds through the forest tracks where the forest floor is covered in ferns.

The downhill runs here were very exhilarating to say the least, but the up hills had us removing layers of clothing! From high above Arley we had fantastic distant views of Shropshire. The route then dropped down and took us through the former Alveley Colliery. This has been transformed into the Severn Valley Country Park where we were on tracks and paths which ran within a few metres of the steam train line.

We followed these until Hampton Loade Station where we decided to have lunch on the platform with the hope of maybe seeing a steam train pass through. We were very lucky with our timing.

Further on we found ourselves in Bridgnorth ‘s busy Saturday afternoon’s traffic, but thankfully we were soon out of it and onto the disused section of The Severn Valley Railway which runs all the way to Ironbridge (we wondered what the town of Ironbridge was called before it had it’s Iron Bridge?). We turned left before the famous bridge and joined the Silkin Way, a mixture of disused canal beds and train lines which led us into Telford for tonight’s hotel.

Total distance today 34 miles

Total Hill Climbs today 2370ft

We particularly enjoyed yesterday’s rest day as we met and had lunch with our son -in -law’s mother who lives near Tewkesbury. We also use our rest days to catch up with our laundry chores and stock up with our daytime food. Although we left touristy Tewkesbury in dry weather some light rain was to come later. Several of our well wishers have wished for us to have a tail wind, this was not the case today! Near to Twyning we had to smile when a 7ft tall white rabbit with wise words watched us go by.

Continuing along the lanes through avenues of trees we turned into a very narrow byway where the vigorous summer growth brushed our panniers with hard dry mud under our wheels (very bumpy!) . Next we heard and then saw 2 rather large horses with riders coming towards us. They just managed to squeeeeze past, with us having to push right into the undergrowth for them to do so. A quarter of a mile further on and we were back on tarmac.

We crossed a bridge over the M5 and felt sorry for the queuing and stationary traffic below us.

As we rode into Worcester the route became a mixture of cycle paths and housing estate roads and we were soon cycling along by the River Severn , past the Cathedral and the Worcestershire County Cricket ground (the 2nd County Cricket ground we have seen, the first was Somerset’s in Taunton). The sporting theme continued as we crossed the river where the route took us into Worcester Racecourse, but thankfully not over the jumps!

Just outside the racecourse it had started to rain so it was on with the wet weather gear!

Next was Droitwich Spa, a very pleasant town and then Stourport on Severn (quite unpleasant) apart from other things, the cycle path access points were too tight and too low for Daisy to get through (much lifting, leaning and twisting required!)

Karma was then restored and the final part of today’s ride took us through Burlish Top Nature Reserve a winding path through tranquil woodland and down into Bewdley, our B&B stop for tonight.

Distance cycled today 42 miles

Total hill climbs today 1626 ft

With today’s legs fuelled by last night’s “Just Eat” Pizzas delivered to our B&B, we set off in full sunshine and soon entered the village of Slimbridge, well known for its wildlife reserve although most of the ride through the parish took us past farms and farmland. On a sharp bend in a narrow lane we were suddenly confronted with 2 cyclists riding 2 abreast on super lightweight racing bikes. Luckily they avoided us but if they hadn’t our combined weight on Daisy with full panniers would have squashed them!

After that we joined the towpath of The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal (once the world’s widest and deepest canal) and left it at Frampton Green which looked easily big enough to host a cricket match. Immaculately mowed and very green it was indeed!

The route took us right alongside the River Severn which was our first sighting of it, and on into Gloucester dockside where we saw an impressive old lighthouse boat.

Leaving the docks and riding north we had gentle climbs and far reaching views of the Malvern Hills. At around 30 miles into our ride we simply had to stop to admire a truly massive, majestic old oak tree. We roughly measured its circumference at 25-28ft (so if anyone can calculate its age from this then let us know). We rested under it and wondered how many people had done so in the past.

We are now in Tewkesbury for 2 nights as it is a rest day tomorrow.

Total distance today 38.5 miles
Total hill climbs today 872 ft

Today we said goodbye to Chew Magna and headed along quite a busy road to rejoin the route to take us into Bristol. On the outskirts we saw groups of Graduates with their gowns and mortar boards having their photos taken and we congratulated many of them as we rode by. High to our left we could see the stone towers of the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Following the route into the city centre took us along the waterfront where we stopped to view an old wooden sailing ship manoeuvring, and the SS Great Britain on the other side of the harbour. We then rode into the cheerful, vibrant city centre. As we rode up away from the centre passing the University of Bristol, we reflected on how lovely and beautiful the city would be to live in.

We sped on heading north as we had arranged to meet Pam in Westbury on Trym for a coffee. Pam was the head at Meath School (One of our chosen charities) before retiring to Westbury on Trym. We had a delightful chat and photos were taken.

Just before our route took us over the M4 a badger trundled across the road in front of us and about the same time we spotted the top of the Severn Bridge above the tree line.

On our left as we rode along towards our destination of Berkeley, Wales was in view. Berkeley has a famous castle (but until today we knew nothing about it!) and it stands proudly over the town.

We arrived at tonight’s B&B relieved that apart from the steep climb out of Bristol, it wasn’t a repeat of yesterday’s severe climb over the Mendips!

Total distance today 40 miles

Total hill climbs today 1600ft

Leaving Bridgwater, once quite a grand town judging by its older buildings, but recent architecture and modern times have made it less than desirable, was quite a relief. Riding towards Glastonbury we cycled through villages of which one was named Chedzoy (very Somerset ish!) then across the Somerset Levels where we first spotted Glastonbury Tor in the distance. Much more impressive were the well kept colourful, fragrant gardens on route. Glastonbury High Street itself was full of vibrant spiritual people and one lady called out “Cor, I ain’t seen one of them for a long time!”(referring to Daisy tandem) in a strong Cockney accent! Up the hill from Glastonbury we came to the foot of the Tor and we were then more able to appreciate it and the tower on the top. It was then on to Wells, past the Bishop’s Palace and Cathedral, up to Wookey Hole and then one killer of a hill over The Mendips, with amazing views on the way up. A much more gentler ride down into Chew Valley and partially round it’s massive Lake. Tonight’s B&B is in the historic village of Chew Magna which has retained its grandeur.

Distance cycled today 47.5 miles

Total climbs today 2306 ft

With loads of sunscreen applied we set off gently to ease our legs into today’s ride. Out of Dulverton and back on route 3 cycle path, which we have been following since our start at Land’s End. The very green lanes and fields were only interrupted by the reddy orange stone walls, cottages and dust of the same colour on the roads and the occasional black faced sheep peering through the hedges. While climbing a hill we were joined by a well wisher and his 6 year old son on an unusual looking old electric bike with a plywood box arrangement at the back where the boy sat with a bag of charcoal in front of him and all only about 1 foot off the ground . Approaching Nynehead the road led us up through a splendid gorge in which we stopped for a while to enjoy it’s serenity.The route zig zagged through Taunton and onto the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal path along which we heard a young couple cycling behind us say “We are doing that!” They were referring to the Land’s End to John O’Groats printed on the back of our tops. We chatted for a while, wished them well and watched them speed off in front of us.

We continued into Bridgwater and to our accommodation for the next 2 nights.

Rest day tomorrow!

Total distance today 46 miles

Total hill climbs 1919 ft

We left Bideford and continued along the Tarka Trail leaving the river Torridge on our left and then following the river Taw. We knew that today was going to be tough because of the climbs ahead. We then wound our way through Barnstable and its retail parks and Covid testing centre towards the bridge we had to cross over the river Taw only to find when we got there that it had been deemed to be unsafe and had been closed! We returned back along the cycle path and crossed the river at a previous bridge (2 miles detour). It was then a matter of numerous steep climbs up onto the highest point of Exmoor! Very bleak and up in the clouds, but strangely beautiful. It was just us and sheep. After 3 or 4 miles in misty cloud the road descended a little and took us out of and under the cloud and rewarded us with such splendid distant views left and right that to describe it as breathtaking would be an understatement! Heading downhill towards Dulverton the panoramic views went on and on. We were lucky enough to see a few Exmoor ponies and we were pleased to see how healthy they looked with their thick coats and long thick manes. We passed a granite stone monument to Froude Hancock who amongst other things played rugby for England We were very pleased to arrive at our B&B in Dulverton after our hardest ride to date.

Total miles today 45

Hill climbs today 3046 ft( From Llanberis railway station to the summit of Mount Snowden is 3140ft, to give you some idea of today’s climbs!)

Minimum speed 2. 5 mph

Maximum speed 33mph

Ps We had some lovely photos and messages of support from Seal Class at Meath School. Thank you very much. We will make sure we get up those hills just for you!

We rode out of Bude this morning in very humid energy sapping weather, and we both struggled with this for about 12 miles until the air became fresher and the hills more gradual.

Leaving Cornwall and entering Devon at Bridgerule, we crossed the River Tamar, quite a small river at this point and quite near its source. We saw the first thatched cottages of our journey as we entered Devon. The Cornish roofs were mostly heavy slate.

Quiet country lanes sometimes extremely pot holed which required high levels of concentration and focus to avoid them led us onto the Derriton Viaduct. A little further on we joined the famous Tarka Trail complete with giant art forms. We passed through a long dark tunnel which instructed us to remove our sunglasses. (Health and safety gone mad!) We left the trail at the disused Bideford station platform and crossed the bridge over the river Torridge into Bideford to our B&B.

We were both surprised how fresh we felt at the end of today’s ride considering the humid sticky start we had.

Distance today 41.5 miles

Total hill climbs 2278ft