Scottish South Borders Cycling trip

11 to 14 July 2014

The memories from the West Coast trip were starting to fade away and we wanted more adventures to refresh the spirit. Paul's birthday was approaching and to celebrate it he prepared a 4 day cycling trip down the borders, which stood out for its variety and unpredictability.

Day 1 – Ayr to Galloway Forest – 32 miles + Merrick

That was a beautiful summer day, sunny and warm. Paul and myself got an early train to Ayr, while the rest of the group (Lauren and Tobias) would get a later one. The plan was to meet at the campsite in the Glentrool Camping Site in Galloway Forest.

The 32 miles ride along the NCN 7 were a pleasure to ride. The sun was so warm that it felt like being in a different country. At half way we stopped to fuel up, sat down at the side of the road, and ended up laying down in the middle of it sunbathing. The road was so quiet that the first car passed after 15m we were there. If only it would always be like that...

By 4pm we reached the campsite, ate and prepared the Coffin. The days were long at the other guys had just started to cycle. With not a single cloud in sight, filled and full of energies, we decided to climb Merrick. We cycled until the start of the trek, and with my garlic necklace to put off the infamous midges (and humans) up we went.

http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/galloway/merrick.shtml

The climb was fast and by 6 we were on the top. The way down was faster then the way up, and back on our bikes we spotted 2 cyclists who looked lost...and guess who they were?

The 4 of us went to the campsite, aiming at the pub, but, the pub closed as soon as we arrived and had no intention to do us a favour. Lauren and Tobias hadn’t eaten, and there was nothing else in miles to get food. Back in the campsite Paul saw the flyer of an Indian take away in Newton Stewart. We were not too optimistic but gave them a call and yes, they drove up all the 9 miles to bring us food, amazing!

Dinner was shared with thousands of midges who preferred our blood to the food...my blood! Despite being fully dressed, I counted around 200 bites, not even my garlic necklace put them off! On the other hand Paul, who was in shorts, only got 8 bites grrrrr I was officially voted as the best midges repellent.

Day 2 – Glentrool Camping Site to Dalbeattie via NCN 7 – 50 miles

Day 12 was the opposite of the day 1. It was a 50 miles ride in pour no stop rain.

But, we were welcomed at Paul's father's house with champagne, and treated as royal people.

Day 3 – Dalbeattie to Samye Ling Tibetean Centre - 45 miles

Rested and filled we headed north towards Dumfries where we stocked up food. I found the names of the towns we passed by very difficult to remember, or pronounce, so that to meet my limitation we had to re-babtise a few of them: Gatehouse of Fleet = Goat foot of sheep(?); Kirkcudbright = Cucumber and Eskdalemuir became Elk in the Wood.

The weather was good again, and on approaching the Samye Ling Tibetan Centre it really felt like being in Tibet. I'm not susceptible to the paranormal, but I must admit that the energy in the centre is real, and palpable. Somehow I could breath peace, true inner peace. If you have the chance I really recommend a visit, it only takes 1 day /60 miles cycle there (with 900m elevation gained), they offer accommodation and you can cycle back the day after.

http://www.samyeling.org/

Day 4 - Samye Ling to Edinburgh – 60 miles

Most visiting people go straight to the Highlands, disregarding other parts of Scotland that are really worth exploring. The Borders are among them, they offer gentle hills and landscapes, and some good workout too! Plus, most of the secondary road are so peaceful that you end up meeting more sheep than cars.

Unwillingly we said good bye to the Samye Ling Centre and followed the B709 up to Innerleithen. After a quick stop there we took the NCN1 back to Edinburgh. The uphill bit from Innerleithen is one of my favourites. It goes steadily up for miles and miles surrounded by hills until you reach the top and have a complete view of East Lothian. Arthur Seat looks at a stone threw distance, but from there is still a good 20+m cycle.

The last bit entering Edinburgh was a big anti climax. The rain was heavy, the road busy and dark, and our mood was not much better, only the warmth of a pub managed to raise up our spirit. There we decided that new routes had to be planned soon.