Day 5 - Rules And Shap Pass

Left Or Right? There's A Rule For That

First a bit to say about our B&B last night. As we stood at the top of a very long, steep descent onto the A59 (having ground our way up to be presented with the grand view of the Ribble Valley) there was discussion between James and Matt as to whether we should turn right or left to find the B&B. Given that the maps showed it approximately 1/2 mile one side or the other, it was a crucial decision at this stage of the day. Finally, James had his way, and we decided to turn right. Matt hurtled off down the road, ending up way out in front of James and Joe. When the others arrived, they found a grinning Matt. James had been correct - the accommodation was indeed to the right of the turning. Right on the corner, so we didn't have to go any further.

Our greeting from 'mine host' was unusual, to say the least. "Turn your bike round so it doesn't mark the window." Not "Good evening, how was your trip?". And then the rules started. The late Glyn Charles once commented that Emsworth Sailing Club had no fewer than 51 signs dictating what should and should not be done. Well, Rose Cottage B&B beat this record easily. There were signs saying when we could and could not use the dining room, when we were allowed breakfast, what could be done with 'food in rooms' and so on. In fact, when James pulled back the covers on his bed, prepared to collapse gratefully into slumber, he commented that he half expected a sign to be there outlining what was and was not allowed in bed!

But we're mean - the accommodation was perfectly adequate, with a stonking breakfast this morning.

The Morning's Ride

Off we set into a misty but clearing morning, heading ever North and West via Garstang and Longridge. Matt commented that it was "Garstang 5", which James took to be the name of a 60's pop group he was reminiscing about. He turned out to be reading a road sign. Ribchester was very Roman - lots of museums etc., while James was confused as to why there were no derelict car plants in Longridge. Cathy put him right this evening- that was Longridge near Birmingham!

Lancaster turned out to be a very pretty university town, but we failed to find a coffee shop and pushed on to Kendal. The countryside continued to be really pretty, with gently rolling roads - no massive hills to be negotiated.

In need of morning tea, we stumbled upon the village shop in Nether Kellet, where we were soon engaged in conversation with the proprietor, Glyn. While munching on rolls, pork pies and flapjack and supping tea, we were regaled with the tales of cyclists who had given up at this very spot- but mainly because the weather was so bad (allegedly). As Matt was commenting on his painful knee, Glyn said "Here's the chap who can help - he's the local doctor". The aforementioned chap took a long range look at the joint and said "Hmm... looks like there's fluid on that." and walked off. Doctors - pah. Meanwhile Glyn's 5 year old grandson came wandering in with a toy bear which played Christmas Carols. Surely it's too early for Christmas Carols! Glyn was a great chap, and when he heard we were raising money for H4H, gave us a £10 donation, which was an unexpected benefit.

Lunch

Today we had lunch on time! We negotiated the A6 approaching Kendal, and then entered via a great country lane, winding through tiny villages. On entering a busy Kendal, we found a pub and Joe and James were soon(ish) munching on egg mayonnaise baguettes. Matt - being Matt - ordered onion rings and a tuna sandwich. Not to mention the little 'isotonic' half of bitter.

Shap Pass

This was all good fuel for the ascent of Shap - a 6 mile climb to the1400 foot summit of Shap Pass. Actually, while it was long, it was a pretty gentle climb and we were soon at the top, congratulating ourselves on our elite athlete status. In direct contrast to our overnight host's comments on the A6, we found the road to be really quiet, which was a pleasant surprise. (She also said "You'll never get to Gretna today- it's too far." Thanks a bunch.)

Joe and Matt headed off from the summit of Shap, leaving James arranging for his cycling leggings to come up to Largs with Clare (he's getting worried about the weather further North). Just as he was about to leave, a girl arrived in a car and asked if he'd like to be interviewed for the local press. Being the shy and retiring type, he said "Of course", and was then pumped for his opinion about a proposed camping barn to be constructed nearby. Watch upcoming editions of the Westmoreland Express for his picture and views!

Gretna

After another long day, we finally arrived at the Gretna Hall Hotel to find Cathy ensconced and at least two weddings taking place. Supper was had in the bar- yet more curry - while we watched the wedding party enjoying themselves around us. James commented that some of the young ladies looked like newly born foals trying to walk, as they tottered around on dangerously tall heels!

And Tomorrow?

Tomorrow we're off to Largs! Only 118 miles. Will our backsides hold out?