Dumfries to Hesket Newmarket

Dep. 08:45 Arr. 15:00

Distance 66 miles

Forgot to take my blood pressure pill today but thankfully no major effects. The route from Dumfries to Carlisle was fairly flat, so we were averaging speeds of 13mph. Stopped at Annan for Rock Cake and refreshments. Contacted Eddies friend Rob to arrange details of visit during our stop at Hawkeshead. On leaving Annan, accosted by Drunk telling us not to buy Big Issue from "Smack head" across the road. As a result tried to leave quickly but took ½ hour to find route to Carlisle. Managed to pick up thorn in front tyre. Eddie tried to encourage me to remove it but I thought better to wait till end of day and repair possible puncture then. Met up with Dawn in Carlisle City centre. (Dawns humorous comment of the day "Where's my brown Bag"; we answer "In your hand"). Carlisle to Hesket slightly hilly with extremely complicated gates to try and get bikes through. Decided to use loud coughs to warn pedestrians of our imminent arrival to avoid any problems (See Day 4). Stopped at what was to be our last B&B, removed offending thorn and hoped for no flat tyre in the morning. Enjoyed a curry at a "real" local pub. Woken up by a party of guests at Midnight very excited that they could see Mars (The planet not the chocolate bar). Dawn had a bit of a panic on accommodation. English tourist information not very helpful. Had become accustomed to the more efficient Scottish hospitality and guidebooks. (Always staying at cyclists welcome B & B's) Youth Hostels closed and after ringing several B&B's she managed to find someone who would take us.