Land's End to John O'Groats – 2006
C2C – May 2005
by Helen in Barwick-in-Elmet
The first long distance route I had ever attempted.
B&B in Whitehaven wasn’t the best and sticky plasters for breakfast, together with one of the greasiest breakfasts ever, wasn’t the best start, but as soon as we got out of Whitehaven into the countryside the stunning scenery began, which continued, more or less to the outskirts of Sunderland.
The first 2 days were very hilly, the last, other than a tough off road push up hill, seemed to be downhill all the way. The distances were about 40 miles a day. The weather was kind, so with the assistance of numerous tea shop and pub stops a good time was had by all and we reached Sunderland with time to spare on our last day.
A great introduction to long distance cycle ways.
W2W – May 2006
by Helen in Barwick-in-Elmet
This year’s route was another coast to coast. The route is longer, although allegedly not as tough.
The first night’s B&B this year was a gem and Marrion gave us a warm welcome at Barrie House. The first day was mainly flat, although the heaven’s opened a mile or so out of Kendal so we arrived soaked to the skin.
The second day, after morning coffee at the Old Vicarage in Orton, was the big one….Tan Hill. It was never ending and I don’t think I’ve ever been as pleased to see a pub as I was at the top. The distances were longer than the C2C so I think the day was probably tougher than the second day of the C2C.
The third day out of Barnard Castle began well and despite the heavy showers, a tour of the Council Estates of Bishop Auckland, the ride to Durham was good, mainly on old railways. The last 13 miles to Sunderland from Durham, however, seemed endless. Not only was the North East wind into us all the way, but there seemed to be a lot of hills to climb on what we expected to be a downhill slope all the way. We made Sunderland with minutes to spare to catch the bike bus back, despite Allan’s punctures from the glass on the paths into Sunderland.
Another great trip.
Great Yorkshire Cycle Ride – 2006
by Helen in Barwick-in-Elmet
The longest day of cycling thus far had been the second day of the W2W, just over 60 miles, so it was with trepidation that I arrived at Wetherby racecourse for the 70 mile trip to Filey.
After the W2W (and C2C), the morning section was a doddle, and I arrived for lunch just after 12. With the exception of one hill (more of a bump really), the morning section was flat as a pancake. The afternoon wasn’t as quite as forgiving with a nasty hill (which was definitely a hill and not a bump) near Castle Howard. Other than that, the ascent was minimal and I hit Filey about 3.30 with plenty of time for the return transport.
Can’t wait for next year…I’m aiming for 2.30pm!
