Scotland

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After 2000 km and 3.5 weeks of pedalling, I finally made it to Scotland today. I have lived in Scotland for over 40 years, so it was good to be home.

2000 km of cycling in England, some bits harder than others
The hills on the borders meant a little climbing, but otherwise fairly level. There was though a strong westerly wind which made for harder work
The end of the second climb gave magnificent views over the entrance to the Firth of Forth, including a distant Isle of May (my next ‘lived there’ destination), Bass Rock and Torness nuclear power station (the white dot visible beyond the end of the wall)
Torness power station’s colour is designed to ‘hide’ it from closer to, but makes it much more obvious when seen from above and far
I stopped for a break at a small recreational facility called Fox Lake – kids in full safety gear being allowed to play on zip wires and on other water-based fun activities. We did not get this when we were at school, but of course we did these things informally. The kids were enjoying themselves – I enjoyed my coffee and cakes!
An old bit of railway line has been turned into a fabulous cycleway to the west of Haddington, without too many dog walkers with out-of-control dogs
Best poppy field yet!
The view westwards from Longniddry up the Firth of Forth with Arthur’s Seat in the distance
There are still fishing harbours on the Forth – Cockenzie
Overnight with Colin and Maria. I have known Colin for as long as I have lived in Scotland, with several good parties at his house when he was doing his PhD. He later joined the Nature Conservancy Council and lived near Peterborough with Maria, often providing a bed for me when I visited. It is always good to see friends and to catch up.

Published by Mark on a bike

In May/June 2019, I am cycling the length on Britain, visiting all the places that I have lived and a few friends along the way. This is a charity ride aimed to raise funds for Alzheimer's Research UK and the Spinal Injuries Association. I will also have fun looking for various features along the way and exploring the meaning of memory

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