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Today we say goodbye to the Swede again until we get to Sweden in July.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8826/1...c2808b57_c.jpgfrance 17 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr We set out in the rain, but it only lasted a few hours. We tried to stick to the small roads on the coast, but after 4 hours we had only made it a couple of hundred km, so we headed inland a bit to a secondary road. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8715/1...768b6752_z.jpgScreen Shot 2015-05-11 at 9.25.21 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
We stopped for the night near Carnac to see the Carnac stones, which is a large collection of megalithic sites around the village. There are more than 3,000 prehistoric standing stones, which is the largest in the world. They date from 3300-4500 BC. There are 11 converging rows of stones that may have been a circle.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8841/1...76b7ac48_c.jpgfrance 19 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7778/1...f0dd2a9d_c.jpgfrance 20 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
From here we continued north and then west thru Brittany to get to the port at Roscoff.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5325/1...ee9affea_o.pngScreen Shot 2015-05-19 at 11.47.22 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
To the UK!
By now it was raining again. The ferry leaves Roscoff daily at 3 pm for the 6-8 hour crossing to Plymouth.
https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7733/1...c66bb166_o.pngScreen Shot 2015-05-19 at 11.48.09 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr You arrive 45 min early and check in at the gate. Here they will ask for your booking reference and passport. After this you drive ahead to the French immigration control where they again want your passport and give you an exit stamp. Drive ahead as directed and to the designated bike parking on board. There were about 20 bikes, but there were several staff there to quickly secure all the bikes with tie downs. https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7781/1...c65ef585_c.jpgplymouth 1 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr They you go up on deck for the 6-hour journey. The sea was fairly rough for the first 3 hours, but then calmed down. Arriving in the UK at 2030 we were directed to off load. All the bikes were then asked to lane split the cars to get to the front of the line for passport control. This was an easy process and we were out to meet our friend Steve. He and his wife Maggie had kindly offered to host us. We had met him at the moto GP last year in Argentina and then again in Cusco, Peru. We hosted him in Vancouver last summer when he was on his way to Alaska. They were incredible hosts in their classic English village. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8805/1...37e3db64_c.jpgplymouth 2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
The Mayflower left from these steps on its historic journey to the new world.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7717/1...0ba4ea64_c.jpgplymouth 44 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8744/1...76cce3bc_c.jpgplymouth 46 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5449/1...ebe65866_c.jpgplymouth 47 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
We also sampled scrumpie at the village pub the Oak and came back for the Morris dancing that evening.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8873/1...8f720a59_c.jpgplymouth 26 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8821/1...48c3b5a8_c.jpgplymouth 23 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5342/1...a49e0e49_c.jpgplymouth 24 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8789/1...044fd2a3_c.jpgplymouth 66 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8765/1...e38390e8_c.jpgplymouth 73 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Riding your bike on “the wrong side of the road” is actually not as easy as it looks. Your instincts are all wrong here. The worst are the multilane round abouts or when you turn right onto a divided road. If you glance down at your map or GPS the car that appears to be oncoming can freak you out. The narrow lanes are also an issue since you have to stay so far left all the time.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5344/1...d7ff7811_c.jpgDSC00406 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Land's End
From Plymouth we took the Tor point ferry and then rode south on the east coast to the end of the road and then up the west coast to Redruth. We had been told that bikes are free westbound on the ferry, but no that is eastbound. We had no pounds on us and so the ferry crew chipped in the fare for us.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8830/1...59f50e56_c.jpgScreen Shot 2015-05-07 at 9.55.53 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8893/1...52903690_c.jpgcornwall 1 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8878/1...c3fb7b1c_c.jpgFILE0634 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
The most southern point in the “continental” UK is at Lizard Point or “the Lizard”.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7777/1...3ac63298_c.jpgcornwall 3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5454/1...5e52d3fa_c.jpgcornwall 4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8774/1...1f9f0f06_c.jpgcornwall 6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
From here we rode to “Lands End”, which is the western most point in mailand England.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8722/1...2b1b4718_c.jpgcornwall 11 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8836/1...1b7d5a63_c.jpgcornwall 17 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8839/1...c4d13c5a_c.jpgcornwall 16 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8702/1...aea8b291_c.jpgcornwall 20 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
The weather has continued to be wet, cold, and windy. That however has not diminished the beauty of Cornwall. There are castles everywhere. Riding thru the tiny villages connected by one-lane tracks thru tall hedgerows is amazing.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5445/1...089a9e2b_c.jpgcornwall 7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8754/1...0d714612_c.jpgFILE0641 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5342/1...b3e12330_c.jpgFILE0677 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5339/1...fbc2c3ea_c.jpgFILE0659 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr Continuing north we finally found a traditional old school British hotel in Redruth (think Fawlty Towers). https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8828/1...cd0bcc54_b.jpgScreen Shot 2015-05-11 at 8.57.31 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Torquay
Today it is raining again as we continue north and east to Torquay.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8722/1...ae6704e3_c.jpgScreen Shot 2015-05-11 at 8.59.27 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr We made for Newquay and then to Bude by trying to stick to the small roads along the coast. https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5329/1...a5000483_c.jpgtorquay 1 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8727/1...bb3ffcaa_c.jpgtorquay 2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8750/1...f0a4000c_c.jpgtorquay 3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8821/1...83e188e7_c.jpgtorquay 5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
From there we cut cross-country thru the Dartmoor National Park. Here on the high moor it was very cold and very wet. The conditions improved quite a bit by the time we arrived to Torquay.
We took along walk along the seashore and then had a pub dinner. We had to watch a few episodes of Faulty Towers here in Torquay. https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7658/1...1697eab7_c.jpgtorquay 6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5454/1...38d5aebe_c.jpgtorquay 11 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
The weather is still dreary here in the UK, but we did finally get some sun today for our ride northwest to see Salisbury and Stonehenge.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8872/1...036e0462_c.jpgScreen Shot 2015-05-11 at 9.01.16 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr We rode north along the coast. Leaving the main rode we explored some of the small narrow hedgerow lanes. https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5325/1...6447a6b5_c.jpgstonehenge 1 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8839/1...68aa4b65_c.jpgstonehenge 2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7783/1...37b81c24_c.jpgstonehenge 7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7789/1...c2b75d50_c.jpgstonehenge 4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7763/1...0d085fff_c.jpgstonehenge 8 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Salisbury
Leaving the coast we arrived to the city of Salisbury where there is the stunning Salisbury Cathedral. Pilgrims have been coming here since it was completed in 1258. It has the world’s oldest working clock from 1386 and the best-preserved copy of the Magna Carta.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5348/1...1b0e9bfe_c.jpgstonehenge 9 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8830/1...dfa6024f_c.jpgstonehenge 10 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5444/1...5b49dbc3_c.jpgstonehenge 15 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8862/1...e557198f_c.jpgstonehenge 17 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5346/1...e64dfcbb_c.jpgstonehenge 18 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5341/1...caa26e4d_c.jpgFILE0811 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8715/1...aec5e159_c.jpgFILE0845 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5342/1...b5b8e1f6_c.jpgFILE0882 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Stonehenge
From here we headed further back in time to check out Stonehenge. We were not going to pay 17.50 pounds (35$ ) each to see the rocks that can be seen fairly well from the road.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8859/1...820caa98_z.jpgScreen Shot 2015-05-11 at 9.38.25 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8861/1...6efd445d_c.jpgstonehenge 29 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5321/1...a0c23dbd_c.jpgstonehenge 30 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Amesbury
This is just 5 miles from the town of Amesbury where we had booked into an inn. There is a very nice walking circle route from the town that takes about 45 minutes and goes past fields full of sheep and the river.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5336/1...b1f2c7e4_c.jpgstonehenge 31 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8703/1...cfa53805_c.jpgstonehenge 33 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8813/1...746f8c64_c.jpgstonehenge 34 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7791/1...aa070533_c.jpgstonehenge 36 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5346/1...12d56f53_c.jpgstonehenge 37 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
We are on our way to Cardiff Wales today, but we made a stop in the famous city of Bath and to the castle at Caerphilly on the way.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5343/1...42c72b73_b.jpgScreen Shot 2015-05-11 at 9.02.47 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr We just loved the hedgerow tracks! https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7738/1...01a7df52_c.jpgFILE1095 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7731/1...7e066177_c.jpgFILE1048 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Bath
Bath is where the rich and famous have come to relax for hundreds of years, but the Romans first built baths here in 60 AD. The landmarks include the Royal cresent, the Circus ( a ring of houses), and the Pulteney Bridge. After a couple of hours walking around we needed to get a move on to get to Wales.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8762/1...4c9bf6a8_c.jpgcardiff 3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7712/1...f9989ce9_c.jpgcardiff 1 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7700/1...16e63df6_c.jpgcardiff 4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5346/1...89b7205f_c.jpgcardiff 5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7763/1...1a1827eb_c.jpgcardiff 6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8700/1...59b8b9a4_c.jpgcardiff 8 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
The route took us thru the national park, which is a network of single tracks and several passes.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8729/1...d9401e0a_c.jpgFILE0988 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5466/1...028cff4e_c.jpgFILE0992 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7668/1...3cabf64a_c.jpgFILE0989 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8854/1...fb6bc495_c.jpgFILE1226 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7778/1...523a8016_c.jpgFILE1261 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
England has a network of 1000 miles of canals. They were used for 40 years to build the railway and then abandoned. Now they have been restored for leisure craft. These 20 locks span a 2 km stretch and it takes all day oneway.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5461/1...fc2ecaec_c.jpgcardiff 23 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7716/1...6d35f807_c.jpgcardiff 24 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
caerphilly
We were again on our way to Cardiff, but made a second stop in Caerphilly to see the amazing castle there. It was built in 1268 and because of its unique design of multiple layers of defense it was never captured.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8853/1...6724f321_c.jpgFILE0956 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7689/1...0fe39a11_c.jpglampeter 6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7707/1...17dbd539_c.jpgcardiff 15 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8847/1...36c050e0_c.jpgcardiff 12 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7715/1...ca79cfc9_c.jpgcardiff 16 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7658/1...61a04281_c.jpgcardiff 20 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8720/1...7e3d812e_c.jpgcardiff 21 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8822/1...ba467f53_c.jpgcardiff 26 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Cardiff is the capital of Wales and at the city center is the castle of course.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8755/1...54eca7da_c.jpgcardiff 30 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8897/1...73f54a31_c.jpgcardiff 37 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Lampeter
From Cardiff we went the long way to Lampeter, which is northwest.
https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7795/1...730470a2_o.pngScreen Shot 2015-05-11 at 9.05.55 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr We crisscrossed the Brecon Beacons National Park. This included a few high passes on the windy moors. https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5329/1...b6a9961e_c.jpglampeter 1 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8808/1...da0e666e_c.jpglampeter 3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8800/1...1238fccb_c.jpglampeter 4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
There were a lot of single-track lanes to explore. Finally we made it to the coast at Aberytwyth and from there we went south and east to Lampeter.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7756/1...895b9059_c.jpglampeter 5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7669/1...267a6bde_c.jpglampeter 9 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5338/1...3476938c_c.jpglampeter 7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Pembroke
We had a short trip to the ferry dock at Pembroke, but we managed to make a day of it by taking the scenic route.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5453/1...f9b0380e_o.pngScreen Shot 2015-05-21 at 11.59.26 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7754/1...1a08dbc7_c.jpgpemboke 2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5326/1...35997252_c.jpgpemboke 4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
We went back and followed the coastline south to St. David’s, where there is a very nice Cathedral complex that was originally founded here in 589. The present Cathedral was built in 1181.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5346/1...87cd2192_c.jpgpemboke 5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8839/1...2eb3178e_c.jpgpemboke 9 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8852/1...957948d1_c.jpgpemboke 13 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7658/1...d4b1d897_c.jpgpemboke 16 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Ireland
From here we made for the Ferry dock for Irish Ferries. You check in at the kiosk and get a boarding card. The UK police check your passport before you bord. To get on the ferry you actually cross a bridge like ramp over the loading cargo trucks. The ferry attendants take care of the strapping of the bikes. This is a four-hour slightly rough crossing to Rosslare Ireland. We had booked into a hotel 20 km up the road and so we arrived in daylight.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8852/1...cd8f1dd3_c.jpgpemboke 19 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5457/1...a890cd22_c.jpgpemboke 21 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8802/1...382d132b_c.jpgpemboke 22 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8840/1...2a7774fa_c.jpgpemboke 25 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5329/1...47a68579_c.jpgpemboke 28 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5329/1...fe3a50c1_c.jpgpemboke 23 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8803/1...9a2c15db_c.jpgpemboke 31 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Rock of Cashel
We are on a bit of a tight time line and so we are trying to squeeze as much of the island as we can into about 5 days. Today we are headed to Killarney in 284 Km.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7665/1...ee921a45_o.pngScreen Shot 2015-05-11 at 10.07.40 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr Riding here is much like Wales, it is desperately pretty and full of tiny single lane roads and good secondary roads. We did take the highway to get the 140 KM to Cashel so that we would have time to explore the ruins at the Rock of Cashel. https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7769/1...24c42b0f_c.jpgFILE0066 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr This 9 th century fortress was the home of the Kings of Munster, who rules from the hilltop. https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7756/1...ac0178f5_c.jpgkillarney 4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8820/1...d9947503_c.jpgkillarney 22 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
The site was donated to the church in 1101 at the time of the building of the “round tower”.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8816/1...d05e2e5b_c.jpgkillarney 23 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7759/1...76bdd391_c.jpgkillarney 35 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr The larger ruined Cathedral was added in 1235. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8886/1...f1b9b55c_c.jpgkillarney 7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7746/1...7118265a_c.jpgkillarney 10 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7761/1...6d4b2429_c.jpgkillarney 3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7778/1...02ef1f77_c.jpgkillarney 12 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7746/1...e5a69cd7_c.jpgkillarney 6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
The 9 th century chapel has been sealed under a metal roof, while the stone roof has been removed, repaired and reinstalled. Thousands of years of rain were threatening its collapse. The drying out period has lasted 5 years. Prior to this the chapel walls were black because the rock was so wet. The drying out has also revealed the frescos on the ceiling.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7747/1...48b94c51_c.jpgkillarney 27 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7751/1...206f920f_c.jpgkillarney 24 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8874/1...f0cd1658_c.jpgkillarney 31 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr This was a center for teaching and many smaller abbeys like the ruins in the distance surrounded the rock. https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7758/1...937fc700_c.jpgkillarney 2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Ring of Kerry
From here we continued west and south to the touristy town of Killarney.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8860/1...72be14ce_c.jpgkillarney 38 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr Killarney is the gateway to the 179 km Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Penninsula. The coastal sections of these routes are part of the wild Atlantic way, which is a 2500 km scenic driving route. https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7720/1...315fbe05_o.jpgimages-3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5349/1...d5b0d9b0_c.jpgScreen Shot 2015-05-17 at 11.48.08 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7736/1...35dd628b_o.pngScreen Shot 2015-05-19 at 9.34.28 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Leaving from town you head up over the mountains on a narrow road, which is dangerous because of the non UK drivers who tend to panic in corners and head to your side of the road! This leads you to the “ladies view”.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8879/1...5946116f_c.jpgFILE0088 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7770/1...751a9de3_c.jpgkerry-dingle 1 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Once you hit the ocean you hug the shore most of the way around the ring.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8868/1...296c7be1_c.jpgFILE0074 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7740/1...a142559c_c.jpgkerry-dingle 3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7771/1...bcf55ecb_c.jpgkerry-dingle 4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7745/1...a0a9323a_c.jpgkerry-dingle 5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7771/1...1dd3fe1f_c.jpgkerry-dingle 9 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8800/1...916e2212_c.jpgkerry-dingle 11 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7762/1...eb058817_c.jpgkerry-dingle 12 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8826/1...d8884059_c.jpgkerry-dingle 14 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8842/1...dbb7b877_c.jpgkerry-dingle 18 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8790/1...bb5e0126_c.jpgkerry-dingle 21 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7759/1...202c8e23_c.jpgkerry-dingle 22 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Dingle Peninsula
Then we started on the Dingle peninsula and the Slea Head circle drive, which ends at Ireland’s most western point at Dunmore Head.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8758/1...a996892e_c.jpgFILE0138 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7773/1...b6783abe_c.jpgFILE0180 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7777/1...18932010_c.jpgkerry-dingle 26 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7734/1...e879e492_c.jpgkerry-dingle 28 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8841/1...971a747b_c.jpgkerry-dingle 29 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7747/1...c754d23d_c.jpgkerry-dingle 33 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8831/1...963279f6_c.jpgkerry-dingle 36 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7778/1...b98b4483_c.jpgkerry-dingle 37 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8877/1...bc5d6ea1_c.jpgkerry-dingle 38 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7731/1...5f3a2105_c.jpgkerry-dingle 40 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7799/1...63c31a15_c.jpgkerry-dingle 41 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7797/1...44c7ce8d_c.jpgkerry-dingle 42 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8775/1...811b2efd_c.jpgkerry-dingle 31 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7732/1...b284b150_c.jpgkerry-dingle 32 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Castle View
The route for us ended today near the village of Tarbert on the shore of the Shannon River. Here we booked into a B&B on an island in the river called Castle view and it did have a nice view of the Carrigafoyle Castle or tower house.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8812/1...95bcdaf0_c.jpgFILE0268 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7794/1...6378b1be_c.jpgkerry-dingle 46 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8885/1...d42b15c0_c.jpgkerry-dingle 48 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8853/1...4139a931_c.jpgkerry-dingle 52 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7741/1...fa526eb6_c.jpgkerry-dingle 56 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7741/1...90b70b40_c.jpgkerry-dingle 50 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Cliffs of Moher
Today we are headed to Dublin with a detour to the “Cliffs of Moher” for about 360 km. The ferry across the river from Tarbert to Killrush saves the about 140 km drive around the inlet.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8808/1...69f1e0d0_c.jpgScreen Shot 2015-05-19 at 9.36.30 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr This was not that nice today on this rainy bleak Irish morning. https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7783/1...56d031d2_c.jpgFILE0304 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8849/1...9abbddf0_c.jpgFILE0338 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7792/1...fe1e3e6f_c.jpgdublin 2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7762/1...a651e5ef_c.jpgdublin 3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7790/1...73f07905_c.jpgdublin 5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
We had planned a coastal route again with a stop at the Cliffs of Moher. This was a bit of a bust with the blustery wet day it was far from it’s spectacular best.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7741/1...e176bb15_c.jpgdublin 6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7753/1...ea3959fc_c.jpgdublin 8 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7737/1...167c608a_c.jpgdublin 10 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8876/1...fa3ce031_c.jpgdublin 12 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8780/1...9b913598_c.jpgdublin 13 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8896/1...5c2d61de_c.jpgdublin 17 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Jameson
The rain continued as we made for Dublin and our 430 pm appointment at the Jameson Distillery. Here we had a tour and whisky tasting.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7797/1...e3f301ba_c.jpgdublin 19 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7760/1...b10f07a6_c.jpgdublin 20 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8777/1...59a1d5ef_z.jpgdublin 22 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8880/1...bd9406ae_c.jpgdublin 25 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8872/1...13d60209_c.jpgdublin 29 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7756/1...61843ece_c.jpgdublin 31 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7737/1...1c5f545e_c.jpgdublin 33 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Then we walked a few blocks over to where all the action was in the pedestrian zone that is full of bars, clubs, and restaurants. Here there were dozens of places with live music. The way to end a night of drinking…Mc Chicken of course.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7788/1...cfb9c1b7_c.jpgdublin 34 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8805/1...5a61c066_c.jpgdublin 35 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7778/1...273a4cc0_c.jpgdublin 36 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7790/1...9e1a1690_c.jpgdublin 37 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Belfast
The weather was threatening again today and we did get a few heavy showers. We had Ferry tickets for the 1 am sailing to the Isle of Man and so we had all day to get to Belfast for the 1130 pm check-in tonight.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5331/1...c5b835e9_o.pngScreen Shot 2015-05-19 at 9.39.03 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr Riding north to Northern Ireland we were all prepared for the border with our passports, but of course there is no border to cross. You only know you have entered a new country because there is a sign that says Speed limits are posted in miles. https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7739/1...fdb9df2c_c.jpgbelfast 29 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
We got lucky with a break in the weather for the visit to the Giant’s Causway. This is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns from volcanic eruption.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8785/1...6bc1371b_c.jpgbelfast 2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8803/1...abe10cdf_c.jpgbelfast 28 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7745/1...17644ac4_c.jpgbelfast 7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8779/1...f3d17b55_c.jpgbelfast 9 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8770/1...c9b8c1d5_c.jpgbelfast 11 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7757/1...15edfc6c_c.jpgbelfast 12 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7775/1...038aa2e4_c.jpgbelfast 14 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
There is a fair bit of hiking along the cliffs.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7749/1...870a0351_c.jpgbelfast 3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7747/1...06a3d820_c.jpgbelfast 6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8778/1...88da4fe4_c.jpgbelfast 15 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8790/1...96b1a5b9_c.jpgbelfast 17 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7729/1...dba2b9d7_c.jpgbelfast 19 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8764/1...f34aa952_c.jpgbelfast 23 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8762/1...ea175467_c.jpgbelfast 24 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7774/1...0b4794a4_c.jpgbelfast 34 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
From here we continued on the Causway Coastal route the 77- miles to Belfast. We saw tons of bikes that had been at the “north-west” race nearby.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7728/1...70a0a68f_c.jpgbelfast 35 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7750/1...298c545d_c.jpgbelfast 38 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8845/1...54eec469_c.jpgbelfast 40 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8831/1...eea20840_c.jpgFILE0381 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Isle of Man
Finding the ferry dock is not that easy and did involve some driving around. There is very poor temporary signage. We did find it, but had 4 hours to kill and so we found a McDonalds to hang out in. Arriving at the dock at 1030 we met about 20 other bikers.
The ferry was late and finally loaded at 2 am. We had a bit of a rough night with Dan trying to sleep in a chair that did not recline, while I had better luck on the floor. https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7670/1...9f4e676c_o.pngScreen Shot 2015-05-19 at 9.39.46 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
We arrived to the Island at 730 am and in the end to a very nice sunny day.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7776/1...308c1f51_c.jpgisle of man 76 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7763/1...be90ea83_c.jpgisle of man 73 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8821/1...4f6b5332_c.jpgisle of man 2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8880/1...6cd6a07a_c.jpgisle of man 3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8884/1...cb22bc59_c.jpgFILE0447 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
TT
This meant a quick breakfast and then we did two laps of the TT course before the rest of the Sunday drivers got up.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8795/1...91c4ec26_c.jpgisle of man 4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7745/1...871f52b4_c.jpgisle of man 5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8813/1...3c621f94_c.jpgisle of man 6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7786/1...940768da_c.jpgisle of man 7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7738/1...91296a74_c.jpgisle of man 8 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7790/1...c13cb7a3_c.jpgisle of man 9 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8806/1...f084d215_c.jpgFILE0606 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7797/1...fe6ba341_c.jpgFILE0484 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7758/1...9472a0c8_c.jpgisle of man 55 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7766/1...901699ab_c.jpgisle of man 68 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7753/1...4a980b6b_c.jpgisle of man 69 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8884/1...61b617a2_c.jpgFILE0480 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
The wind on the mountaintop was pretty fierce. This is the corner where our friend Gino of Gino's Travels left the race in a helicopter. He went down trying to avoid running over the rider who had crashed in front of him.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8830/1...7ffc9600_c.jpgisle of man 12 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
When the course got busy we headed south to Castletown and a visit to the Castle Rushen.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8850/1...9b53d421_c.jpgisle of man 20 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7746/1...f7ea455e_c.jpgisle of man 14 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7798/1...7357e798_c.jpgisle of man 16 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7758/1...a6b26195_c.jpgisle of man 17 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7765/1...dbd739cd_c.jpgisle of man 21 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7757/1...84fdee91_c.jpgisle of man 27 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
The Sound
We finished the day with a visit to the southernmost point “the sound” where we saw the sea lions and “the calf” of the island.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8865/1...2116de29_c.jpgFILE0725 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8822/1...36acafc8_c.jpgisle of man 33 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8886/1...84277719_c.jpgisle of man 30 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7740/1...07289a6b_c.jpgisle of man 32 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7799/1...ecd9821d_c.jpgisle of man 34 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
There are speed limits here in the towns and villages, but once you see this sign it is game on! There are an incredible number of small roads here crisscrossing the mountains. You could spend a week here easily and still not see all there is to see.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7786/1...2ddec12e_c.jpgisle of man 42 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7769/1...dc9ab044_c.jpgisle of man 67 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7748/1...5385b5fa_c.jpgFILE0740 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Niarbyl
We stopped in to Niarbyl by going down the “road to the end of the stones”. In summer you can find basking sharks here.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7744/1...a722f93a_c.jpgisle of man 37 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7762/1...fc5e3dc7_c.jpgisle of man 39 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8877/1...3cdcc7d7_c.jpgisle of man 38 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7739/1...8f046877_c.jpgisle of man 36 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7756/1...93560be1_c.jpgisle of man 40 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Peel & Aire
Next we rode up on the coast roads to Peel to see the castle. This guy actually caught 2 fish at the same time!
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8817/1...f5a47f3b_c.jpgisle of man 43 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7738/1...c1b4278a_c.jpgisle of man 47 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8888/1...e454fd39_c.jpgisle of man 48 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr We then rode further up the east coast to the northern most point on the island at Aire. You can actually see Scotland from here. https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7748/1...bdc8e520_c.jpgFILE0812 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7735/1...d7417227_c.jpgisle of man 62 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8875/1...a22d358b_c.jpgisle of man 64 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Isle of Man
The final SPOT tracker route for Isle of man!
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8788/1...649efd89_o.pngScreen Shot 2015-05-18 at 8.41.22 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Back to Wales
We made it back to Douglas at 1330 and drove right up to the check in booth. There were about 10 other bikes there for the fast ferry (3 hours) to Liverpool. There is no passport control or customs. Again you ride on and the staff secure the bikes. You have to be very careful to watch them. Both our friend Steve from Plymouth and our friends Gino and Fiona from Edinburgh have had bikes damaged when they let loose in rough seas. The crossing was a bit rough for the first hour, but calmed somewhat after the captain slowed the vessels down to 36 km/h and shifted course out of bad weather. The ship unloads right downtown into traffic. This had just started flowing, when it started pouring again. The rain gear is holding up well luckily.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7731/1...343a74d5_c.jpgFILE0950 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7790/1...62b75600_c.jpgisle of man 77 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8761/1...3a70c951_c.jpgisle of man 80 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7738/1...94cfeecd_c.jpgFILE0992 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7777/1...c99574fd_c.jpgFILE1016 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Snowdonia
We had a short 60 miles to go to Llandudno. The sun is shining, but as we have found in Wales if you wait 5 minutes the weather will change to pouring rain.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8881/1...76813957_z.jpgScreen Shot 2015-05-19 at 9.41.28 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr We headed south 20 miles to the village of Betws-y- Coed, which is the gateway to the Snowdonia National Park. https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5462/1...b25c38eb_o.pngScreen Shot 2015-05-19 at 9.43.53 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8832/1...9a7d4d7242.jpgsnowdonia 22 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr We stopped in the visitor’s center for a map and some route suggestions. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8758/1...1033d638df.jpgsnowdonia 10 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Today we had sun, 5 degrees, rain, 12 degrees, poring rain, and hail almost in a continuous cycle!
https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7742/1...0b61d45a_o.pngScreen Shot 2015-05-21 at 6.33.31 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5456/1...14f0575d7c.jpgScreen Shot 2015-05-21 at 6.32.59 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7772/1...99f0af9c02.jpgsnowdonia 17 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8815/1...852c905f28.jpgsnowdonia 5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8760/1...6a8d0e866b.jpgsnowdonia 4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7777/1...6d4252ee88.jpgsnowdonia 9 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8780/1...cbdf91980d.jpgsnowdonia 7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
We did have a sunny break for a spot of tea with a view of the Castle in Caernarfon.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8894/1...0cd691fb_c.jpgsnowdonia 6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8756/1...9884bd06e8.jpgsnowdonia 16 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7783/1...ddc1ef5f77.jpgsnowdonia 15 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Pontcysyllte
We booked it north around most of the urban sprawl to get to the Lake District of England.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8847/1...0ea58d8ca8.jpgScreen Shot 2015-06-06 at 9.34.03 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr On the way we took a side trip over the Horseshoe pass and back and then stopped at the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. This is a navigable waterway that directs the Llangollen Canal 136 ft over the River Dee. It was built in 1805 and is 1007 ft long, 11 ft wide, and 5,25 ft deep. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8775/1...af64ca0ab9.jpglake district 1 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7751/1...bbc1ea9aaa.jpglake district 6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/325/18...2bc24bb23c.jpglake district 3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8849/1...8de963883c.jpglake district 8 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8843/1...c98d571729.jpglake district 9 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/494/18...8abb71268b.jpglake district 5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/344/17...5fe9734615.jpglake district 6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Here we toured the south Lake District on the way to the B&B. This included the ferry across the lake to Windermere.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7733/1...63d951f484.jpglake district 13 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/504/18...457d05e6d5.jpglake district 3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7791/1...0093301ba8.jpgFILE0858 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7773/1...e6d7c948b4.jpgFILE0770 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7746/1...225bffb905.jpgFILE0772 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8793/1...26fe52e2b2.jpgFILE0805 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7785/1...9b7a1126e8.jpglake district 12 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8815/1...e7763ac26f.jpglake district 7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8836/1...7c7e4062a3.jpglake district 9 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8886/1...0f38c6291a.jpglake district 10 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7734/1...0abb587f22.jpglake district 4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/485/18...714b1b2f17.jpglake district 23 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8799/1...7e882d90a3.jpgFILE1500 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
We then had some time for some tramping and a brew at the village pub.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/536/17...f1b7c78d70.jpglake district 34 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/445/18...5a3d4f3ddf.jpglake district 36 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8831/1...9276272590.jpglake district 41 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8858/1...7a95976f6e.jpglake district 40 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/478/18...eb7bcd981d.jpglake district 39 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/522/18...04875d1075.jpglake district 38 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/405/18...43b3e11c3a.jpglake district 42 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
The next day we did almost 350 km route in a figure of 8 to try to get in all the high passes.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5456/1...14f0575d7c.jpgScreen Shot 2015-05-21 at 6.32.59 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/455/18...6c952bcf7c.jpglake district 45 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/301/17...1097b1ca03.jpglake district 65 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7760/1...eddd57f56b.jpgFILE0080 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8890/1...6f14b60caf.jpgFILE1393 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8835/1...f1265fcb0d.jpgFILE1427 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7763/1...270d5a45db.jpgFILE1587 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7745/1...b0f4e344e3.jpglake district 14 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8896/1...4c67554003.jpglake district 17 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8864/1...7d960bdc73.jpglake district 18 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8888/1...5b22d591_c.jpglake district 26 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8881/1...662bb3b171.jpglake district 28 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7773/1...f80dc1587b.jpglake district 27 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr This includes the famous Hardknott Pass, which rises 400 m on a single lane of switchbacks with a 30 % grade and then repeats this on the down side at 25 %. https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7732/1...d6bb2e05a2.jpgFILE0017 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7729/1...e2a6de779b.jpgFILE0951 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8818/1...2d2c091dd7.jpgFILE0970 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7769/1...24ee257d74.jpglake district 19 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7785/1...b0c345c12b.jpglake district 21 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Edinburgh
We were very lucky to get a sunny day for our touring, because we woke to rain again. This did put a bit of a damper on the 152 mile ride north and west to Edinburgh.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8878/1...f3a1549037.jpgScreen Shot 2015-05-27 at 5.47.43 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/278/18...cd6bdab1ff.jpgFILE0103 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr We did stop for a short walk to see Hadrian’s Wall. It was started by the Romans in 110 Ad and was a 117 km long defensive fortification. https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/519/17...ee387d4020.jpgEdinbourgh 1 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Continuing north we made for the “border” of Scotland. We were pleasantly surprised that there was some actual signage and some monuments. We had run into a lot of guys going to a scooter rally.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/455/18...ea6e65cc18.jpgEdinbourgh 2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/465/17...b645610641.jpgEdinbourgh 3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/446/18...e0bdc456a6.jpgEdinbourgh 5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/336/18...bd54657f64.jpgEdinbourgh 4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
We were headed to the home of our friends Gino and Fiona (Gino' Travels) whom we had met in 2013 in Panama. We had actually first met on line in 2011 and have been corresponding since then. They welcomed us into their home and then took us out for dinner with a view of the Fourth rail bridge and the sunset.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/292/18...e405ce13be.jpgEdinbourgh 10 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/467/18...03df4f8a7d.jpgEdinbourgh 9 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/323/18...ebd18c3bdd.jpgEdinbourgh 8 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
sidecar rally
Gino and Fi had just bought a bike with a sidecar to go to two winter rallies next year including the Elephant in the Bavarian Forrest in January. For the weekend we were off to the sidecar rally in Moniave.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8791/1...42012eedce.jpgScreen Shot 2015-05-27 at 5.49.01 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/475/18...8509ab82d9.jpgEdinburgh 11 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/435/18...9c7e78ff1d.jpgFILE0201 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/487/18...562b705910.jpgEdinburgh 33 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/401/18...d99bc574a8.jpgEdinburgh 35 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr Highlights were the camping next to the Pub and the Ska/Punk bands. https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/269/18...a79b137a71.jpgEdinburgh 28 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/301/18...6d79e0eb94.jpgEdinburgh 13 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/445/18...1d78fbd693.jpgEdinburgh 14 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/557/18...ca1e3a91df.jpgEdinburgh 15 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/378/18...0f6e772d58.jpgEdinburgh 16 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/407/18...bc0f94c638.jpgEdinburgh 17 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/331/18...f8f3eb1129.jpgEdinburgh 18 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/413/18...c26b999bda.jpgEdinburgh 19 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/367/18...e04dd0c798.jpgEdinburgh 20 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/378/17...8e999b3c93.jpgEdinburgh 22 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/369/18...6ba6372bf4.jpgEdinburgh 21 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/340/18...6bcca1d41a.jpgEdinburgh 24 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Haggis
Back in the city we had traditional Haggis dinner with Fi’s family. Gino did the address to the Haggis by Robert Burns. It starts out like…
Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o' the puddin'-race! Aboon them a' ye tak yer place, Painch, tripe, or thairm: Weel are ye wordy o' a grace As lang's my airm. Nice seeing your honest, chubby face, Great chieftain of the sausage race! Above them all you take your place, Belly, tripe, or links: Well are you worthy of a grace As long as my arm. https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/319/18...bf0231b5c5.jpgEdinburgh 36 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/386/18...2ed3b00756.jpgEdinburgh 42 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/521/18...50b9f458f9.jpgEdinburgh 43 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
A tour of Edinburgh
The next day we had a chauffeured tour of the city including a short walk up Arthur’s Seat, a drive by the castle, and some fresh oysters at the Café Royale.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/452/17...94e2b88b1f.jpgEdinburgh 52 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/317/18...5ba680c906.jpgEdinburgh 46 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/447/18...1d573e096f.jpgEdinburgh 47 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/320/18...682578172c.jpgEdinburgh 48 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/318/18...c20d73f23c.jpgEdinburgh 50 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/294/18...d8f5e1b372.jpgEdinburgh 53 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/445/17...a781c4d62c.jpgEdinburgh 54 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/438/18...753dfa5551.jpgEdinburgh 56 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/379/18...347ec0b452.jpgEdinburgh 59 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/440/18...4676e955c2.jpgEdinburgh 60 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/456/18...462a30a242.jpgEdinburgh 65 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/358/18...21e51bae09.jpgEdinburgh 66 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/446/17...4183beb53d.jpgEdinburgh 68 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/268/18...60d61e4e3e.jpgEdinburgh 69 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/319/17...bc4f333374.jpgEdinburgh 70 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Canadian Club
Gino’s post Canadian Club
Excerpt Canadian Club After a bleak week at work I decided to call a holiday on Friday to welcome our friends Dan and Sara (World Wide Ride) to our humble abode on Friday. I must say it was weird, here are two fellow travellers (still travelling unlike us!) who we first met for a beer in Panama rolling up to Casa Rondelli on the same bikes. We met them again in Vancouver when Sara was back working for a short while and Dan was…..enjoying himself. Really great to have them in our home for a few days, Friday we took them to Queensferry to see the famous Forth rail bridge which of course they hadn’t heard of. My god, what passes for education in the colonies these days? Neither had they heard of Moniaive so we headed to this bustling metropolis to the sidecar rally, Fiona bravely sitting in the chair whist a complete lunatic piloted it (me). Great time at the rally, worth a mention was the punk / ska bands whose average age was higher than mines, great crack and excessive drinking. As we took off on Sunday, I tried the crash ability of the outfit by driving directly into some dustbin’s at the side of the road, unknown to me Dan had been up early in the morning and put a huge magnet in one of them to attract the chair to it, minor adjustments alter we were on our way having brightened up everybody’s Sunday morning (except Fiona as she was still in the chair) Another party night Sunday with Fi’s family visiting, and then a high speed chauffeured tour of Edinburgh on Monday with Fi in the driving seat looking after us. I have to say I reluctantly climbed a mountain as well, I survived without oxygen or a Sherpa to help me and now I can claim to have climbed a small part of Arthurs seat. Lunch in the town and then a superb dinner at Bert and Laurenne’s house topped off a great weekend. A struggle to keep focused at work today but luckily tomorrow we are off to Ireland for the Norton International Rally, life can be hard. If you spot a couple of homeless Canadians this week on their BMW’s (the giveaway is the British Colombia numberplates) say hi, the tall blokey one is Dan and the petite girly one is Sara, they’ll be visiting a monument near you soon. The Pedersen’s arrive, both with nice new Bumot panniers https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/323/18...e0ec5de5_z.jpga1 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr Dan’s first ever Irn Bru https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/537/18...5bf6ae68_z.jpga2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr It seemed to affect his riding style somewhat https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/531/18...b83f8b63_z.jpga3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr Fi was sitting backwards in the sidecar taking these, very brave. https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/442/18...a64a4d7c_z.jpga4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr The ladies after climbing the mountains https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/327/18...9c4c56a5_z.jpga9 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Kelpies
Today we are starting out on the Gino Rondelli tour of Scotland. The first day’s campsite is in the town of Aberfelty in 85 miles, but there is a lot to see on the way.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8854/1...808a16277e.jpgScreen Shot 2015-05-27 at 5.50.16 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr The first stop was in the town of Falkirk to see the 30 meter tall Kelpies. A Kelpie is a shape-shifting water spirit that is said to inhabit the lochs and pools of Scotland. It is usually said to appear as a horse, but can also adopt human form. These Structures flank the lock here are it would be quite something to come thru here in your boat. https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/531/17...7428d21d03.jpgaberfeldt 1 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/329/18...fa7700cbee.jpgaberfeldt 2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/261/18...d29e8a4a88.jpgaberfeldt 3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/453/18...29c7339108.jpgaberfeldt 4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/501/18...4d324cdb4d.jpgaberfeldt 8 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/371/17...4666bfbb7a.jpgaberfeldt 11 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Falkirk Wheel
From here it is a short drive to the Falkirk wheel. This is a rotating boatlift that connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union canal. It opened in 2002 to reconnect the canals for the first time since the 1930’s.The wheel raises boats by 24 meters (79 ft), but the Union Canal is still 11 meters (36 ft) higher than the aqueduct, which meets the wheel. Boats must also pass through a pair of locks between the top of the wheel and the Union Canal. The Falkirk Wheel is the only rotating boat lift of its kind in the world.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/440/17...9799cd5092.jpgaberfeldt 12 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/333/18...285eeed68f.jpgaberfeldt 13 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/414/18...68b0c0953f.jpgaberfeldt 15 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/363/18...3f5c3e5738.jpgaberfeldt 16 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/472/18...d83baf63c8.jpgaberfeldt 19 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
National Wallace Monument
The tour continues with a drive by of the Stirling Castle and then onto the Wallace Monument. The tower stands on the volcanic Abbey Craig, from which William Wallace was said to have watched the gathering of the army of King Edward I of England just before the battle of Stirling Bridge. You can climb the 246-step spiral staircase to the viewing gallery inside the monument's crown.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/256/17...75d9e5f217.jpgaberfeldt 21 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/325/18...288cb25491.jpgaberfeldt 22 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/539/18...6ac03ef881.jpgaberfeldt 23 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/397/18...4b3c1bec0d.jpgaberfeldt 24 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/346/17...26673837e7.jpgaberfeldt 25 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/271/18...e757dec815.jpgaberfeldt 27 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
From here we got onto some of the small roads to wind our way into Aberfelty. We got off easy with just a cloudy day and no rain for camping.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/543/17...586e811d5d.jpgaberfeldt 32 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/467/18...32dcc22eb3.jpgaberfeldt 33 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/360/18...ce1c5db0ed.jpgaberfeldt 34 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
The destination today is the long way to Strontian in 126 miles.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7779/1...347c5713c7.jpgScreen Shot 2015-05-27 at 5.52.57 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr The route is up and around the Loch Tummel and then back around Loch Tay. https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/491/17...3128ef6dd7.jpgstrontiam 1 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/315/17...b648715cef.jpgstrontiam 2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
The rain started around Killin and got worse and worse.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/347/17...cea4352d19.jpgstrontiam 4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/377/18...283955e4a3.jpgstrontiam 5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/314/18...d907b55edc.jpgstrontiam 6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr Despite this the views over the pass on the A82 in to Glencoe were amazing. https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/460/18...e01856a3_c.jpgstrontiam 11 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/299/18...2cdf564d_c.jpgstrontiam 12 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/482/18...8a0d50c1_c.jpgstrontiam 13 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/387/18...0dee2cd1_c.jpgstrontiam 14 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/470/17...5cca40a4_c.jpgstrontiam 15 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/488/18...40b2eff1_c.jpgstrontiam 16 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/542/17...39bf6b1b_c.jpgstrontiam 17 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
From here we got the ferry to Strontian. It was still pouring and options are very limited here. We finally found a hotel with a room, but it was a bit like being in a twighlight zone episode. There were only 3 guests in the large hotel and the owner was drunk at dinner and at breakfast.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/538/18...41d1b895_c.jpgstrontiam 18 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Despite the continued rain we had to leave the atmosphere here. Our plan was to get to the westernmost point in the continental UK and to the Commando memorial near Fort William.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8893/1...a55ea8f15a.jpgScreen Shot 2015-06-06 at 9.38.27 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
passing places
The road here is single lane with passing places and may actually have been some of the most dangerous driving we have done because of the speed of the oncoming cars on the corners.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/423/18...c981e72f_c.jpgfort william 1 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/262/18...159b38a0_c.jpgfort william 2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/535/18...dc5bb89b_c.jpgfort william 3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Ardnamurchan
We continued down the single-track road along the coast until we reached the most western point of the Continental UK at Ardnamurchan Point. Here there is a lighthouse and you can see the Wee Isles of Rhum, Eigg, and Muk, which are important to us since Sara’s sister actually lives on “Rhum and Eigg Drive” at home!
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/458/18...651a760e_c.jpgfort william 6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/384/18...8f4e0175_c.jpgfort william 9 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/479/18...5480630a_c.jpgfort william 10 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/399/18...da9e51f7_c.jpgfort william 11 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/407/18...ce0e6ba4_c.jpgfort william 12 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/409/18...b4519792_c.jpgfort william 14 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/459/18...7e266691_c.jpgfort william 15 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/550/18...e0b59555_c.jpgfort william 17 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/445/18...89848c0f_c.jpgfort william 18 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/374/18...947fa04f_c.jpgfort william 19 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
The rain continued on and off, but we were lucky to get a sunny break when we stopped to pay our respects at the Commando Memorial in Spean Bridge. It sites on a hill with an incredible mountain view including Ben Nevis. This is the highest peak in the British Isles at 1,344 m (4,409 ft).
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/352/18...0fd2d192_c.jpgfort william 24 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/299/18...a6849c1d_c.jpgfort william 25 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/295/17...638ef75b_c.jpgfort william 27 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/502/17...c666a48b_c.jpgfort william 30 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/374/17...104c5a1d_c.jpgfort william 31 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/540/18...22a8960f_c.jpgfort william 34 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Hmmm, looks wet guys :rain::smartass:
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Quote:
I said it only rained 80% of the time....Note the suits xoxo! Loved your Scotland rain or shine. |
Applecross
Our luck has not changed and it is still raining, but luckily on and off today! The route took us past Lochs Cluanie and Duich and past the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/371/18...f1fe321a_c.jpgapplecross 1 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/383/18...aea0e185_c.jpgapplecross 2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/371/18...90a90e77_c.jpgapplecross 3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/543/18...34d25065_c.jpgapplecross 4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
We rode north and west towards the Isle of Skye (where the ferry to the outer Hebridies departs), but took a detour to the tiny town of Applecross.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/322/18...baf6c2fffe.jpgScreen Shot 2015-06-06 at 9.39.10 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr The name is an Anglicization of the Pictish name Aporcrosan (confluence of the river). This is a special place in Christianity. It was settled by St. Maelrubai who came to Scotland in 671 from the Irish Monastery of Bangor and became the monastery here’s first abbot. There is a small row of white houses here that is often referred to as “Applecross”, but this is actually “shore street” or just “The Street”. The name Applecross actually refers to all the settlements around the peninsula (Toscaig, Culduie, Camusterrach, Milltown, Sand, The Street, and Lonbain. This isolated area was only accessible by boat until the early 20 th century. For many years after this the only road access was over one of Scotland’s most treacherous roads, the Bealach na Ba (pass of the cattle), which crosses the peninsula and rises to a height of 626 m (2053 ft). |
The road lived up to our expectations, which were high since everyone who we have met in Scotland has said “ you have to go to Applecross”! Again despite the bad weather it was awesome. We got a break in the deluge for a few photos on the way up. At the top of the pass for the steepest switchbacks it was only 2 degrees.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/447/18...1fee52b9_c.jpgapplecross 29 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/489/17...071c354d_c.jpgapplecross 31 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/533/17...1a5f2bbf_c.jpgapplecross 32 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/494/18...69f8145c_c.jpgapplecross 5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/313/17...1d1f92c8_c.jpgapplecross 6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/476/18...9eafaa30_c.jpgapplecross 7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/527/18...37ea003b_c.jpgapplecross 8 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/355/18...8dc508b0_c.jpgapplecross 9 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/507/17...55fa2918_c.jpgapplecross 10 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/407/18...97af53af_c.jpgapplecross 11 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/286/17...c75bc670_c.jpgapplecross 12 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/391/17...ea4ace8e_c.jpgapplecross 14 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
We had been “introduced” by Gino to the owner of the Inn and Pub one “Judy Fish”. The cold raining weather was for us not for camping. She was kind enough to find us a room in the FULLY BOOKED hotel and buy us some drinks. The food here is very good. We had a nice dinner with fellow UK travelers Andrew and Jennifer who great company!
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/311/17...d3562161_c.jpgapplecross 16 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/349/18...e4476e75_c.jpgapplecross 18 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/356/18...e5fa438b_c.jpgapplecross 20 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/334/17...e5787a62_c.jpgapplecross 21 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/414/18...7e1b2778_c.jpgapplecross 22 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/274/18...029db9a8_c.jpgapplecross 24 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/513/18...cc3b19f2_c.jpgapplecross 25 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Leaving the next day in the rain there was a steady stream of bikers heading up the pass for their Saturday rides.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/318/18...cb344173_c.jpgapplecross 26 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/267/18...49d2a9ab_c.jpgapplecross 27 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/325/18...59028547_c.jpgapplecross 28 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Isle of Skye
Today we will ride to the ferry dock for the boat to the outer Hebridies at Uig on the Isle of Skye.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/311/18...38262483b0.jpgScreen Shot 2015-06-06 at 9.40.09 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr We had a wet morning, but things improved by the time we got to the “Skye Bridge” to the Island of Skye. https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/357/18...ef93c3f9_c.jpgapplecross 30 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/418/18...e671f364_c.jpgskye 6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/389/18...7443e552_c.jpgskye 7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/486/18...6e8f480f_c.jpgskye 1 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
On the island we did a few side trips up dead end roads to see what was there and then we stopped at Dunvegan Castle. This is the seat of the Macleod of the Macleod, Chief of the Clan Macleod.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/430/18...46db17b4_c.jpgskye 2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/316/18...ba765f7b_c.jpgskye 3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/292/18...9e8a70d1_c.jpgskye 4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/475/18...d92e217f_c.jpgskye 5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/544/18...18237c8c_c.jpgskye 9 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/402/18...8f063544_c.jpgskye 10 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/474/18...1b1ff11d_c.jpgskye 11 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/264/18...3a3f0533_c.jpgskye 12 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/556/18...c4a476e3_c.jpgskye 14 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/452/18...83fcf525_c.jpgskye 15 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Lewis and Harris
We were headed to get the 6 pm ferry to the Outer Hebridian Island of Harris.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8879/1...e3184f9d3b.jpgScreen Shot 2015-06-06 at 9.41.19 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr We just rode up at 4 pm and luckily it was easy at this time of year to just do this and still get on. The boat was late of course and so we arrived to the port of Tarbert after 830 pm. https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/360/18...56b95d43_c.jpgDSC00293 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8892/1...2344fb3d_c.jpgDSC00312 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8893/1...518e8570_c.jpgDSC00309 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/394/18...00625901_c.jpgFILE0060 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8891/1...c0dca4cb_c.jpgFILE0104 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8863/1...cbe23d4f_c.jpgDSC00328 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8881/1...e6a9e080_c.jpgDSC00318 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8864/1...2caa6061_c.jpgDSC00313 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/455/18...1c95135e_c.jpgDSC00336 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8857/1...1419d75d_c.jpgDSC00334 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/416/17...659bd30a_c.jpgDSC00348 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/324/18...5b7c5976_c.jpgDSC00345 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8891/1...56ca3fa3_c.jpgDSC00340 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/519/18...7123ed58_c.jpgDSC00337 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Judy in Applecross had pointed us in the direction of her ex’s inn in Ballalan 17 miles north of the port. Here again we were shown great hospitality and given a room in the again booked hotel. The sun was still hovering at the horizon at midnight.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/369/18...157173cb_c.jpgDSC00353 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/482/17...8508d214_c.jpgDSC00351 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr Harris and Lewis are called two islands, but are really only separated by a stream. The southern Harris is more treed and hilly, while the north Lewis is flatter (read windier). Our goal today was to see the standing stones, the north lands end, and still make the ferry at Stornaway. https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/291/17...99cef053ea.jpgScreen Shot 2015-06-06 at 9.42.47 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8866/1...518742f0_c.jpgDSC00357 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/544/18...9c353d5f_c.jpgDSC00356 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
We set out in the gusting high wind and rain to see the Callanish standing stones. They date from 2600-2900 BC. The site consists of a central stone circle and several lines of radiating stones. The entry here is free unlike the 70 dollars they wanted at Stonehenge and this is a much nicer and more authentic site.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8856/1...9a3f196a_c.jpgIMG_4118 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8845/1...9eec80e1_c.jpgIMG_4117 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8830/1...d1845211_c.jpgIMG_4116 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8873/1...ace3c5e2_c.jpgIMG_4114 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/514/18...2da8ee81_c.jpgIMG_4113 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8832/1...faefe7a9_c.jpgIMG_4109 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8845/1...98f96fa1_c.jpgIMG_4107 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
We then rode in very windy conditions up to the northern point of the Island of Lewis to the port of Ness. Here there is a white sand beach, which I can image is useful very few days a year here above the 58 th parallel.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/450/17...54872515_c.jpgDSC00368 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/370/18...4f0fed08_c.jpgDSC00366 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/418/18...88f9bb69_c.jpgDSC00365 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
We fought the gusting winds back to the port at Stornaway and were glad to hear the ferry was still running, since the sailing was on hold last evening due to predicted high winds.
There were a number of other bikers on tour here also. https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/398/18...76110bf8_c.jpgDSC00372 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/497/18...eeb352f4_c.jpgDSC00370 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/335/18...3664063d_c.jpgDSC00381 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/304/18...26e4d2d5_c.jpgDSC00379 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/470/18...09ff2b5b_c.jpgDSC00378 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr The 2 ½ hour crossing was actually fairly calm despite predicted 52 mph winds. https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8884/1...fb9cd4d229.jpgScreen Shot 2015-06-06 at 9.43.13 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/370/18...63603d70_c.jpgDSC00388 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/465/18...eca61072_c.jpgDSC00386 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/418/18...d06e32c2_c.jpgDSC00383 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/297/18...cdcca350_c.jpgDSC00390 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
Ullapool
Once we got off the boat our hotel was right at the exit of the dock. We took a walking tour of the town of Ullapool. There are lots of riders here checked in and waiting for the ferry in the morning.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/488/18...3c4395c2_c.jpgDSC00393 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/501/17...c327bacb_c.jpgDSC00392 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
John o Groat
Well it is still raining on and off as we ride north and west to John o Groat at the lands end in the north west of Scotland.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/286/18...aa63793b70.jpgScreen Shot 2015-06-06 at 9.45.04 PM by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr Gord Sutherland this is for you! https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/471/17...86d9aeec_c.jpgjohn o groat 1 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
We drove over the pass past Loch Assynt and the Assynt castle.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/483/18...79b3edf8_c.jpgjohn o groat 2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/363/18...7be8e876_c.jpgjohn o groat 3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/293/18...385f087e_c.jpgjohn o groat 4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/264/18...c4d74a59_c.jpgjohn o groat 21 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
From here we backtracked over the single-track loop thru Stoer. This brings you back on the north side of the Loch and back over the pass.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/404/18...b21a04a5_c.jpgjohn o groat 6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/561/18...d7d94cda_c.jpgjohn o groat 7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/332/18...8984639a_c.jpgjohn o groat 9 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8831/1...3e5e8c38_c.jpgjohn o groat 24 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/483/18...f9ca640d_c.jpgjohn o groat 25 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/468/18...f47bd14a_c.jpgjohn o groat 26 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/264/18...36662b0d_c.jpgjohn o groat 27 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/263/17...fd90c386_c.jpgjohn o groat 29 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
We continued north to the coast and then along the north road that is more inland due to the mountainous terrain. There are incredible white sand beaches all along the route when you are at the coast.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/273/18...8343d47c_c.jpgjohn o groat 31 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/334/18...94f6cab8_c.jpgjohn o groat 8 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/371/17...0a714a46_c.jpgjohn o groat 10 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/520/17...f9116e10_c.jpgjohn o groat 19 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8830/1...ee9c701e_c.jpgjohn o groat 20 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr |
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