THE SCOTTISH BORDERS

My journey today followed the valley of the River Tweed to Innerleithen. The beautiful rolling hills of the Scottish Borders beckoned.


This is a land of castles. Perhaps the most beautiful is at Bamburgh. Grace Darling came from Bamburgh and on 7 September 1838, she with her dad rescued 9 survivors from SS Forfarshire by rowing out to them in a small open boat. She became a national hero.

Further on, for the benefit of us who live down South, Berwick on Tweed is definately in England and has been so since 1482. Prior to this, it changed hands with Scotland 14 times.

Most of my overnight stays have been good and here is a second one that deserves special mention - www.oshthornton.co.uk . It is 4 miles from Berwick

DURHAM AND INTO NORTHUMBERLAND

I have reached Alnmouth in Northumberland today and my distance is now 569 miles. Yesterday I stayed in Teesside and visited my Aunt Barbara who was 100 years old earlier this year. The journey after I left her took me through Tyneside where we had our first ferry crossing. Badger, I am happy to say, was not seasick.

Northumberland is one of the most beautiful counties in England and I have been looking forward to my travels through here. Tomorrow I head up the coast to Berwick on Tweed.

IT'S YORKSHIRE AND BADGER DOES ROUTE 66

My entry into Yorkshire was through Hull and this proved to be incomprehensible to this cyclist. However my disappointment was short lived. I decided Yorkshire is a county than deserves a longer visit and that I will come back again. The route went through Beverley with its magnificent churches and town centre and onto York.

Route 66 is the Trans Pennine Way where Badger and I both thought that we were going in the wrong direction but it is correct.

If I stopped in York, I decided it would be for two days so I kept going. Greg, if you are reading this blog, I reached my destination ok. After York, I cycled to Thirsk, a beautiful town, but the Council should do something about the cars. Next was cycling aroung the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors and to Hartburn where I stayed overnight with Margaret and John, both delightful hosts.

My mileage to date is 492 and I am a day ahead of schedule.

LINCOLNSHIRE

I have covered 135 miles in the last two days. This is the fen country with Lincoln as a city highlight. Yesterday was windy and as my cycle route zig zags, sometimes I was cycling into wind and at other times it was behind me.

My cycle route had several off road stretches such as the above. The countryside consists of huge rivers, wide open fields and lots of hamlets. I met a couple today who said that they had just finished a 30,000 mile bike ride across Asia. It had taken them 6 years.

SUFFOLK AND NORFOLK

I have now cycled through Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk. I have arrived at Kings Lynn. My distance to date is 210 miles. I could have gone further today but there is nowhere to stay. These counties have beautiful gently rolling countryside and delightful villages. Last night, I thought that I would be sleeping rough in a hedgerow and, as it was a warm balmy evening, I was partly looking forward to it.

I liked this picture above and there are many views like this around here. Anyhow I arrived at Foulsham, 15 miles from Norwich and a local directed me to a B+B in a Georgian house soon to be cherished. Not only were the owners friendly, my room was enormous and it had a roll top bath. Now if your legs are tired having cycled 73 miles, there is nothing better in this World than to languish in a roll top bath. If you are in Norfolk, please check http://www.ivyhousefoulsham.co.uk/

I have a mascot. It is Badger and he sits on my back pannier. Badger nearly came to grief yesterday. I was on a rough track and my bike slid over on the gravel. I had some cuts and grazes but Badger is made of sterner stuff and is fine. Badger had a scary moment today when we encountered this ... gentleman.

The North Sea Cycle Route is slightly confusing as it often goes inland. In fact, this afternoon was the first time I have seen it since leaving Harwich. Finally, in case anyone wants to know, my legs are going fine.

DAYS 1 AND 2

I set off from Harwich at 3pm yesterday and have cycled through the beautiful rolling countryside of Suffolk to reach Framlingham this evening.

Mileage to date............83

Mileage to go...........3,546

Am meeting my buddy, Bill tomorrow evening at Norwich who is joining me for a few days.

MY JOURNEY PLAN

The start date for my journey is Saturday, 24 April from Harwich, England. I am going to cycle 3,600 miles clockwise around the coastline of the North Sea.

My route takes me through some of the most stunning and remote scenery that Europe has to offer. I hope to see an abundance of wildlife. At my Northernmost points, I will be cycling around the Shetland Isles and ffiords near Bergen in Norway.


I will be taking time out to visit a 100 year old lady in Teesside and an army officer who distinguished himself in Afghanistan.

My bike is a Trek X1 that looks like a racer but is strong and sturdy. My ride is unsupported and this means that I carry all my own gear.

I have another challenge. I want to raise money to protect wildlife. I think that protection of wildlife is as important as global warming in the 21st century. If you think wildlife deserves support, please go to www.mycharitypage.com/GrahamWilson

I will be publishing posts throughout my journey on this website. I will also be saying places that I will visit on http://www.twitter.com/cycle770

Cheers for now