Dumfries and Galloway

​Best breakfast so far in our bnb in Annan. While eating it, our host mentioned that Andrew who had booked separately to the rest had been charged £110 by the reputable booking site as their algorithm had worked out he had booked the last room. The rest had paid just £55 each. Andrew was happy to pay, and the rest were quite amazed that they had such a good deal for what was a very nice place. 

Route today was through Dumfries, castle Douglas, Kirkudbright, Gatehouse of Fleet and on to Newton Stewart, mainly into the wind. Lovely countryside, a few hills and off and on showers. Steve was mortified that his companions stopped off at Castle Douglas Aldi to grab lunch so he wandered off into town to find nice pies and cakes. Andrew and Pete are fans of the quick triangle sandwich so they left him to it. Merv is like a lion; eats well but infrequently, so he didn’t eat and didn’t care! We all met up the other side of town and continued on our way.

Garmin said 9 climbs for today. We counted at least twice that many. The ultimate being in the last 10 miles when NCN route 7 took us up what can only be described as a cliff, along a mossy cycle track and then up the steepest ‘official’ climb of the day, the descent being likewise. About 500 feet of ascent just to avoid a 6 mile, pan flat, section of the A75 that we’d have covered in 20 minutes. We have the same to do in reverse on Friday and some are questioning the route planning. That’s a debate for another day.

Hotel tonight is comfortable but basic. The menu looked good but Steve had a craving for curry. Arrived at curry shop to be greeted by a ‘cash only’ sign and the news that that were unlicensed. Merv hits the cash point at the co-op. Steve hits the cold beer shelf, Andrew opts for a nice Viognier, and off we trot back to the curry house for a very filling and quite decent feast. 

Nice to have the whole team together at last. 

Short day tomorrow. Pete is quite relieved about that. 

Sorry - bit boring but I’ve had four Stellas and it’s late 🥱

72 miles

3798 feet


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