North Queensferry

Quick Canadian breakie before dashing down the hill to catch a bonus 2nd dose of Championship cycling. The hotel was a couple of miles away from the Men's road race route so it would've been rude not to. Sussed a spec that may have been where the peleton could slow down a bit. As for where to park - that was another question. As it happened it was fairly quiet - just a few bike geeks so parked up easily and ambled down. On arrival there were a few more curious locals. Took our places and waited - endless police bikes wandered past taking their healthy overtime. Watched the role out in Edinburgh on the phone and kept up with the race until they hit the bridge. In no time the cavalcade was upon us. Thinking a roundabout would slow them - pah. Blink & you'd miss them though Pog was spotted. Stopped off at North Queensferry to get some nice views of the bridges. Nice peaceful place despite having 2 motorways and a mainline rail route above. Lots of history plaques to read up on the place - interesting. Back to the car and headed for Leith - a coastal / port district of Edinburgh. Possible walk or tram into town to head up Arthur's Seat. Parked up at the Ocean Gateway, final mooring of Britannia. Thoughts of having a little look at it were obstructed at every angle. Window views were occupied by restaurants. The second floor was entirely occupied by the Britannia experience priced at £20 - we've paid for it once, shouldn't have to pay again. Tried to go round the side of the building and barriered off both sides. Had to get a view through a fence & saw a warning sign claiming that this was against the law. Hmmm. Wandered into Leith for some lunch rather than Edinburgh cheaper & easier to push on to Alnwick. Lots of little left field shops and cafes. Also some very dodgy looking tower blocks. Even had a bit of sunshine on Leith in the words of the classics - well the Proclaimers. Alnwick was a little closer by virtue of this stop off - 90 mins, a spectacular coastal route and a sunny afternoon. All good. Understated England border sign was almost missed and Berwick was bypassed. Hotel on the outskirts and apologies for not having any kitchen staff. Short walk to a local pub in the sunshine worked better than a Premier Inn pizza - no apologies needed.Read more