Friday. Westpoint.Very grateful for stay with inspirational touring cyclist Mike Murphy and his lovely wife, Sheila (who cooked us a feast). A chance meeting with Mike whilst we looked for a campsite in the rain led to a dry night for us in great company
Sat. Mike M. led us on our way North via very quiet roads past lovely lakes and mountains. Camped Insihcrone-very hot and sunny .
Sun. Sligo -bought mike a new rear tyre as a spate of punctures -trying a `Continental`.Camped @Rosses Point.View from tent of lovely `Oyster` island with its tiny lighthouse.View ,brill weather and Guiness so good we stayed 2 nights -our 1st rest day since Rosslare!.
Tuesday. Carney -hamlet just north of Rosses. Ancestral home of Kevin Davenport.The other famous son is WB Yeats ,after whom everthing is named ,including local football team -Yeats UTD.
Fabulous queit ride past breathtaking montains..Camped on shore of Lough Erne.
Sorry to be leaving Eire as shall miss staggering scenery ,sunshine ,beaches etc but mainly the lovely people-especially the many little old ladies who insisted on giving us complex detailed routes to places ,even if we werent going there!
Wed. Lovely back roads through bigger fields -cows now Charalei and Chocolate. Lots of donkeys.Farm dogs have often rushed out -if you are going 12 mph or more they cant keep up -all right down hill or on flat -difficult up hill !Camped by lake in park south of Dungannon.
Thurs. 71 miles today(got a bit lost ) -longest yet -its great to be so fit now -we couldn`t have done 1/2 that a mounth ago .Camped on shore of river Bann .Next tent a cyclist from Holland -he had such dreadful weather crossing England -he gave up and took train to Liverpool.Has just rung his Mum in Holland who is flooded too! We met many fellow touring cyclist in SW -mainly French -much fewer now.
Friday in Ballymena to meet Liz and stay a while -Then off to Scotland. Total 310mils since last blog update - just under 1,500 miles so far!
Friday, 27 July 2007
Friday, 20 July 2007
Moher, the Burren, Galway & Connemara
Friday .Westport,pased lakesMask and Corrib down little roads with grass down middle -hares everywhere -brilliant sushine.
Thursday, Connemara mountains and enormous lakes full of little islands and bobbinng fishing boats.
Wednesday, Peatbogs,tiny fields with limestone walls -honey coloured cows with calves,blackfaced /socked sheep and thoroughbreed horses and foals.
Tues ,Banna,fantastic limestone landscape -cliffs and lakes ,completely unspoilt.
Monday,1000miles in total !Early start in sunshine along the Atlantic road on the north side of the Loop -wonderful Basalt cliffs almost as good as cliffs of Moher which we saw later in day . Camped by the sea at Doolin and had guiness in good pub recommended by Mo spent evening talking to a very interesting Ozcouple.
Sun. Heading north to the Magnificent Shannon estuary -crossed by car ferry in a shower .Camped on the shore overlooking colonies of Sandwich terns and blackheaed gulls.
Sat.Visited Inch beach where `Ryans Daughter` filmed sat out in sun to eat Full Irish. Beautiful setting with mountains behind but spoilt by parking -litter on beach and quadbiking in dunes!
Cycled over wonderful Connor pass to Dingle.Fab camp site with views of Dingle BaY.25 Mile cycle without gear round caost of Dingle peninsula in sun ,great views of the Blaskett islands .
The papers here are full of the housing market as values dropping and negative equity.
Last 2 weeks no signs /directions have been in English .I soon discovered fìr is gents not ladies.
Thursday, Connemara mountains and enormous lakes full of little islands and bobbinng fishing boats.
Wednesday, Peatbogs,tiny fields with limestone walls -honey coloured cows with calves,blackfaced /socked sheep and thoroughbreed horses and foals.
Tues ,Banna,fantastic limestone landscape -cliffs and lakes ,completely unspoilt.
Monday,1000miles in total !Early start in sunshine along the Atlantic road on the north side of the Loop -wonderful Basalt cliffs almost as good as cliffs of Moher which we saw later in day . Camped by the sea at Doolin and had guiness in good pub recommended by Mo spent evening talking to a very interesting Ozcouple.
Sun. Heading north to the Magnificent Shannon estuary -crossed by car ferry in a shower .Camped on the shore overlooking colonies of Sandwich terns and blackheaed gulls.
Sat.Visited Inch beach where `Ryans Daughter` filmed sat out in sun to eat Full Irish. Beautiful setting with mountains behind but spoilt by parking -litter on beach and quadbiking in dunes!
Cycled over wonderful Connor pass to Dingle.Fab camp site with views of Dingle BaY.25 Mile cycle without gear round caost of Dingle peninsula in sun ,great views of the Blaskett islands .
The papers here are full of the housing market as values dropping and negative equity.
Last 2 weeks no signs /directions have been in English .I soon discovered fìr is gents not ladies.
Friday, 13 July 2007
On to the Peninsulas
Off to the Dingle Peninsula today, then continuing across the Shannon heading north up th west coast. Mileage since last blog entry 270.
Killarney. Reached here early 8.30am so avoiding traffic. Charming town a bit like Bath ,well preserved, quite posh hotels -worth a visit.
Thursday was best days cycling ever. The mist lifted and the road went high round the coast wqith views of bays and farms. Then the road through the centre of the peninsula was quiet as no HGV .Went through two high passes with stunning mountain views on 3 sides Maccilycuddies Reeks the highest mountains in Ireland -,plus flower meadows and hanging lakes -clear views and sunshine all day .10 miles from Kilarney found beautiful little campsite -1 other tent only ,behaind a shop on a river -dried out all gear and had evening walk to look at mountains.
Wednesday Ring of Kerry road going West clockwise,some views ,lots of traffic including at least 20 tourist coaches going opposite way -dangerous speed -by afternnon heavy rain and mist ,camped at end of peninsula on sea edge -but could see little.
Monday /Tuesday Beara Peninsula -The most beautiful place we have seen yet -views all round of Bays ,distant islands and The Ring of Kerry in distance .Had Veronicas guiness fruit cake and tea in bruilliant sunshine before cycling on clockwise East to wild camp just over a high pass om the warmest night so far -very early start next day so beat all the traffic
Bantry Bay area wonderful views, sunshine all day .Curlews, oyster catchers shelduck and
ducklings.
Blarney - despite big tourist attraction of castle still a charming village centre with colourful cottages. Mike thought I didn`t need to kiss the stone! Great campsite with views for miles -
sunshine all day.
Cork much like anyother large congested town ,but the suburbs very Irish little terrace houses and corner shops.
Kinsale a disappointment as stuffed full of queuing traffic,tourists and carparks -prettier and quiet was Glandore -lovely yachty bays and fab scenery. Campsite "The Meadsow" in a quiet country garden.
Killarney. Reached here early 8.30am so avoiding traffic. Charming town a bit like Bath ,well preserved, quite posh hotels -worth a visit.
Thursday was best days cycling ever. The mist lifted and the road went high round the coast wqith views of bays and farms. Then the road through the centre of the peninsula was quiet as no HGV .Went through two high passes with stunning mountain views on 3 sides Maccilycuddies Reeks the highest mountains in Ireland -,plus flower meadows and hanging lakes -clear views and sunshine all day .10 miles from Kilarney found beautiful little campsite -1 other tent only ,behaind a shop on a river -dried out all gear and had evening walk to look at mountains.
Wednesday Ring of Kerry road going West clockwise,some views ,lots of traffic including at least 20 tourist coaches going opposite way -dangerous speed -by afternnon heavy rain and mist ,camped at end of peninsula on sea edge -but could see little.
Monday /Tuesday Beara Peninsula -The most beautiful place we have seen yet -views all round of Bays ,distant islands and The Ring of Kerry in distance .Had Veronicas guiness fruit cake and tea in bruilliant sunshine before cycling on clockwise East to wild camp just over a high pass om the warmest night so far -very early start next day so beat all the traffic
Bantry Bay area wonderful views, sunshine all day .Curlews, oyster catchers shelduck and
ducklings.
Blarney - despite big tourist attraction of castle still a charming village centre with colourful cottages. Mike thought I didn`t need to kiss the stone! Great campsite with views for miles -
sunshine all day.
Cork much like anyother large congested town ,but the suburbs very Irish little terrace houses and corner shops.
Kinsale a disappointment as stuffed full of queuing traffic,tourists and carparks -prettier and quiet was Glandore -lovely yachty bays and fab scenery. Campsite "The Meadsow" in a quiet country garden.
Friday, 6 July 2007
South East Ireland
Have arrived Cork this morning in sunshine !150 miles since Rosslare.Thursday rained from taking down tent @7.30 until 1.30 then force 8 gusting 9 headwinds -Oh Joy. N25 road from from hell including roadworks and blocked exit to field campsite. Highlights -Irish breakfasts at Dungarven and outskirts of Cork,beautiful coastal views. Japanese knotweed along roads and canals. Mike growing beard. To camp at Blarney tonight then on to Kinsale and West to Dingle.
Are taking photos but can't attach presently.
Are taking photos but can't attach presently.
Saturday, 30 June 2007
South West Wales
In summary, Castles 4, punctures 0, bottle of Moet 1Japanese cyclists 1, Japanese Knotweed trillions, weekly miles 180, miles so far 391.
Friday 29/06/07 - short ride (12 miles) to Pembroke Dock via Pembroke & Castle. All day breakfast waiting for ferry to Rosslare (Eire). Smooth crossing, coachload of Japanese tourists on ferry, 7.00pm arrival at Maureen & Sean's, fabulous fish pie, invited to stay til Monday. Forecast very wet.
Thursday 28/06/07 - Wonderful Pembokeshire coastline. Weather glorious am. Picnic lunch pretty village St Florence. Camped on exposed farm site above Freshwater Bay. 26 miles.
Wednesday 2706/07 - 30 miles. Camarthen Castle. Met Japanese cyclist. Acres of Japanese Knotweed. Beatiful Laugharne village & castle. Dylan Thomas's home. Another sunny evening. Fab modern campsite.
Tuesday 26/06/07 - 24 miles. Estuary cyclin. Sunny. Chris rang from Oz, working 40 miles up dirt track for Co prospecting for tungsten. Lovely evening on beach watching RAF Fighter practise bombing run.
Monday 25/06/07 - 39 miles. Sue's 50th!
Mike splashed out, treating Sue to an all-day breakfast at Jerry's Transport Cafe in Tarmac's South Cornelly Quarry. Jerry says there is a severe weather warning for Wales today! Soggy campsite by Kenfig nature reserve. Champagne, smoked salmon, scrambled eggs & stuffed olives cooked in tent out of rain. Brilliant.
Sunday 24/06/07 - 48 miles around Caerphilly Castle & Taff Trail. Hill route Pontpridd to Tonyrefail. Very exciting in heavy rain & floods. Water half way up panniers! Mike's waterproof cycling jacket isn't, so ditched - using spare 'kag-in-a-bag' .
Friday 29/06/07 - short ride (12 miles) to Pembroke Dock via Pembroke & Castle. All day breakfast waiting for ferry to Rosslare (Eire). Smooth crossing, coachload of Japanese tourists on ferry, 7.00pm arrival at Maureen & Sean's, fabulous fish pie, invited to stay til Monday. Forecast very wet.
Thursday 28/06/07 - Wonderful Pembokeshire coastline. Weather glorious am. Picnic lunch pretty village St Florence. Camped on exposed farm site above Freshwater Bay. 26 miles.
Wednesday 2706/07 - 30 miles. Camarthen Castle. Met Japanese cyclist. Acres of Japanese Knotweed. Beatiful Laugharne village & castle. Dylan Thomas's home. Another sunny evening. Fab modern campsite.
Tuesday 26/06/07 - 24 miles. Estuary cyclin. Sunny. Chris rang from Oz, working 40 miles up dirt track for Co prospecting for tungsten. Lovely evening on beach watching RAF Fighter practise bombing run.
Monday 25/06/07 - 39 miles. Sue's 50th!
Mike splashed out, treating Sue to an all-day breakfast at Jerry's Transport Cafe in Tarmac's South Cornelly Quarry. Jerry says there is a severe weather warning for Wales today! Soggy campsite by Kenfig nature reserve. Champagne, smoked salmon, scrambled eggs & stuffed olives cooked in tent out of rain. Brilliant.
Sunday 24/06/07 - 48 miles around Caerphilly Castle & Taff Trail. Hill route Pontpridd to Tonyrefail. Very exciting in heavy rain & floods. Water half way up panniers! Mike's waterproof cycling jacket isn't, so ditched - using spare 'kag-in-a-bag' .
Saturday 23/06/07 - 56 miles.
A day of bridges. Avon, Severn, & famous Newport Transporter Bridge.
Friday, 22 June 2007
Setting out - Devon & Somerset
A selection of our first few pictures
Not marathon stuff, but 155 miles so far!!! To summarise, 1 cycle helmet, 1 puncture & a bottle of Champagne to date.
Friday 22/06/07 – Dry start to break camp. Lovely ride over Somerset levels, saw deer, herons & egrets. Sheltered from heavy storm in Morrisons Weston-Super-Mare (all day breakfast!) Found Strawberry Line Cycle Path to Yatton Station. Stayed the night with Mike & Alison Kacher in Clevedon – fabulous dinner cooked by Alison.
Thursday 21/06/07 – Wet packing up camp & until lunchtime. Canal path from Taunton to Bridgwater (Mike 1st puncture). Campsite at Bawdrip on the Polden Hills – lots of bunnies.
Wednesday 20/06/07 – Set off 7.30. Tiverton canal path, then north into the Brendon Hills. Wonderful campsite at Waterrow.
Tuesday 19/06/07 – Recovering at Janet & Ian’s. Replanned route to reduce daily mileage.
Monday 18/06/07 – Back roads via Totnes to Ashburton. Unfortunately 5 minutes from Ashburton we met a car on a narrow muddy back road & Sue’s emergency stop ended with her head –butting the tarmac. Thanks to all at Glendinning’s who helped to get us sorted. Replacement helmet purchased! Happy Anniversary!
Sunday 17/06/07 – Left 1 Durham Avenue Plymouth to Barbara & Mike’s at Loddiswell via wonderful lunch courtesy of the Paul & Hannah at the Miners Arms Hemerdon.
Friday 22/06/07 – Dry start to break camp. Lovely ride over Somerset levels, saw deer, herons & egrets. Sheltered from heavy storm in Morrisons Weston-Super-Mare (all day breakfast!) Found Strawberry Line Cycle Path to Yatton Station. Stayed the night with Mike & Alison Kacher in Clevedon – fabulous dinner cooked by Alison.
Thursday 21/06/07 – Wet packing up camp & until lunchtime. Canal path from Taunton to Bridgwater (Mike 1st puncture). Campsite at Bawdrip on the Polden Hills – lots of bunnies.
Wednesday 20/06/07 – Set off 7.30. Tiverton canal path, then north into the Brendon Hills. Wonderful campsite at Waterrow.
Tuesday 19/06/07 – Recovering at Janet & Ian’s. Replanned route to reduce daily mileage.
Monday 18/06/07 – Back roads via Totnes to Ashburton. Unfortunately 5 minutes from Ashburton we met a car on a narrow muddy back road & Sue’s emergency stop ended with her head –butting the tarmac. Thanks to all at Glendinning’s who helped to get us sorted. Replacement helmet purchased! Happy Anniversary!
Sunday 17/06/07 – Left 1 Durham Avenue Plymouth to Barbara & Mike’s at Loddiswell via wonderful lunch courtesy of the Paul & Hannah at the Miners Arms Hemerdon.
Wednesday, 13 June 2007
Final countdown
We are now trying to remember to do all the things we said we must do before we go! Made our last visit to the tip yesterday evening & will do our last trip to the furniture storage unit this evening, as Sue's car goes tomorrow.
What's left at the rented house tonight will have to go on the bikes with us (or in the dustbin)!
What's left at the rented house tonight will have to go on the bikes with us (or in the dustbin)!
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