• Chris Tomes
  • Chris Tomes

Coast and castles

Alloa to Newcastle ? Read more
  • Trip start
    July 11, 2019

    Alloa to Edinburgh

    July 11, 2019 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    After leaving Julia with a poorly van (now fixed), took cycle route 76 through Dunfermline (easy to get lost here) across the Forth Road Bridge.

    Sign posts and route far more pleasant on the southern side.

    Expensive campsite (but no alternative) at £22.10. Busy though.
    Read more

  • Dunbar

    July 12, 2019 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    A family at the campsite had their bikes stolen overnight despite sturdy locks. They were understandably angry.

    Route was easier to follow from Musselburgh onwards. Put in effort to arrive in Dunbar before the forecast rain. Only a slight shower so far.

    Very welcoming and cheap (£8.45) campsite about a 50 minute walk along the coast to Dunbar.
    Read more

  • More Dunbar

    July 13, 2019 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Lifeboat day in Dunbar. Polished pipe band and procession.

    Found a dead body and a man with a head injury on the beach. However to my relief they were acting in a film.

    Tour of museums during a downpour.

    Memory stones at the campsite.
    Read more

  • Belford

    July 14, 2019 in England ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Strong sunshine but cool air makes for sunburn that isn’t noticed until later, I found.

    Now largely following NCR1 which hugs the coast, using tracks, bridleways and farm roads.

    Eyemouth for coffee and Berwick on Tweed for picnic lunch. Arrived in Belford after 53 miles of rougher riding. Arts festival just finishing with a good steel band.Read more

  • Morpeth

    July 15, 2019 in England ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    More NCR1 - excellent route which I stayed on for 50 miles. Coffee in Craster and crab sandwich lunch in pretty Alnmouth.

    Route goes through several ancient gates.

    Inland via Ellington site of former deep coal mine whose tunnels went 7 miles out to sea. The only remains are a social club and this memorial to former workers.Read more

    Trip end
    July 16, 2019