Goldsmiths Bike Britain

Today was a fantastic day! It was the longest mileage out of all the days and some tough climbs but the scenery was absolutely breathtaking! First of all running up the side of Loch Lomond then later over Rannoch Moor and down to Glencoe. The weather was perfect, not too hot and so clear. Snow still on some of the peaks. Arrived in Ballaculish at 6.15 and have just polished off a lovely meal in the local, football on in the background! Fern villa guest house very friendly - I think we’ll sleep well! Tomorrow Fort William and Loch Ness…

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Long day today, too tired to write much! Will fill in the details later! Made it into Glasgow at about 7ish, fantastic welcome from Jason. Another big day tomorrow…

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No reception last night so only just managed to send in during our first break today. Tough day today again, 87 miles and hot weather. Left the Lakes early and crossed into Scotland early afternoon. Arrived in Moniaive just gone 5, lovely little village in the valley. There seems to be a folk music festival going on…Glasgow tomorrow!

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Just crossed the border into Scotland. Onwards and upwards from now on!

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Day 9 was tough. Hot weather and some big hills. Started off at a good pace and met Katie and her parents along the way for some excellent food breaks. Then crossed into the Lakes and unsuprisingly the hills turned alot nastier! The scenery was beautiful though, we had both been really looking forward to making it to the Lakes. The last climb of the day was Kirkstone pass up to 1500ft, followed by a lovely 5 mile downhill into Patterdale! Just had a fantastic meal with ours and Katie’s family and i think it’ll be early to bed. 87 miles tomorrow and into Scotland…

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Over half way now (in days but not mileage unfortunately!) Today was nice and flat, we made really good time. Crossing the Runcorn bridge was interesting, but we made it ok! Hasn’t been the prettiest of routes but the scenery became nicer and nicer the deeper we got into Lancashire. Katie met us a couple of times along the way with food and snacks, kept us going in the heat! Staying in a lovely B&B Little Stubbins, v friendly and welcoming. Into the Lakes tomorrow…

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Today was a lovely restful day, only 27 miles to cycle and the terrain was pretty flat. Even better, we had a great welcome here at Sarah and Phil’s in Chester.  We have done a load of well needed clothes washing and have just returned from having a fantastic (if slightly painful) sports massage at the ProPhysio centre just down the road! They very kindly offered this free of charge so a big thanks to all the team there, check out their logo and link on the sonsors page! I think with all this attention we’ll be set for the next section of the ride and all the killer hills to come!

We have just had a read through all the comments on the website, the first real chance in the last few days so thanks so much for everyone’s support, it’s very much appreciated. Most of our reports are sent from the mobile phone so it’s great to actually get to a PC and update the site properly and read all the comments.

For those following the food updates tonight’s meal is risotto. And for those doing a county count I think I make it 9 (plus Wales for about ten minutes earlier today!)

Another hot day today but i guess we shouldn’t complain about the sun. Better than rain! Met Simon again just as we were leaving the b&b. Some fantastic scenery along the way, especially near Church Stretton. Stopped at a farmers market in the town to pick up lunch. Made pretty good time for the rest of the day and had a bit of time to explore Ellesmere. Walked down to the lake and then off for our well earned dinner. Really looking forward to the short day today tomorrow and some rest before the real hills start!

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A great day today, passed through some lovely little villages. Relatively flat compared to the beginning of the week, although a bit of a climb coming out of bath. Met another guy called Simon doing the same route but carrying camping gear with him - crazy fool! Got hotter as the day went on, making it a bit tough but kept the fluids up and arrived 5.30ish. Very friendly here at the Ship, and now waiting for dinner to arrive!

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Today was a bit of a scorcher, slightly different conditions to what we’re used to! The route was a lot flatter too, at least in the first part of the day so we were able to keep up a good pace. Turned a bit hillier as we came into  the Medips and closer to Bath but the scenery was beautiful. Arrived in Bath ahead of schedule and found an excellent watering hole next to the canal to recouperate. We have been looked after incredibly well at Jo and Paul’s here in Bath with Jo cooking up an enormous quantity of pasta for dinner and tomorrow’s lunch! Big day tomorrow…