Douglas Port

The forecast thunderstorm appeared at 7 am, so the decision to get the train was definitely the right one.
Freewheeling back down the A6 into Penrith was considerably easier the opposite climb on Sunday evening.
By 10.30am I was at Lancaster - with 3 hours to kill before the boat.
The north bank of the Lune takes the curious cyclist right down to Sunderland Point via a cycle path and increasingly small roads. The final mile or so is over marshland on a concrete road that, according to numerous warning signs, can be covered at high tide. I didn’t have my tide table with me (and didn’t think to use the tidal app on my phone), so took a chance.
It was very overcast and there was a fine drizzle. To add to the mood, out of the gloom I saw four horses trotting towards me pulling a stagecoach. The driver gave me a cheery wave and they were gone.
At the end of the roadway were a few houses and some forlorn-looking boats lying on the mud.
I then rode back to Heysham for a look round. Not the Heysham that we all think off - where the ferry docks next to the nuclear power station. No, heading towards Morecambe, turn left at the first Co-Op, and you will find the picturesque Heysham Village. It was still raining and I opted for a cup of tea and a scone in the cafe. The place was full of elderly punters clinking teacups and buttering scones, so I ordered tea and a scone. ‘No scones left I’m afraid. Will you be sitting outside?’ Like a fool I said ‘err, yes’ and went and sat in the drizzle. To be fair I was already soaking and her inside seats were nicely upholstered, and chances are I was a bit stinky - a mix of half dried damp clothes and minimal journey showering.
With this in mind I made sure I sat on a secluded seat on the Manxman. The crossing was calm and I slept for much of it.
There was a following breeze for my final ride of the week back to Laxey. The Summerhill/Whitebridge prospect ensured I opted for Groudle and I arrive home as I had left - in sunshine.

I have had a great week and coveted 430 miles. I have learnt a lot about living in a small, not fully waterproof tent. I know that a sleeping mat is not essential , but very desirable. I used virtually everything that I carried. I did not have any crashes or any sort of mechanical issues with my bike. My old Pirelli 28mm tyres stood up to terrain that they were not designed for - fantastic. I didn’t even pump the tyres up.Read more