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Back in the saddle! The advantage of planning my own route for a journey like this is that I designed an itinerary that suits what I want to do entirely. So after a rest day at home yesterday, I was able to have breakfast with my family and walk the girls to school before getting back on two wheels. I suspect there aren’t many who can make that claim in the middle of the End to End challenge!
My legs felt fresh after the rest day, which was just as well as I battled a brisk and persistent headwind all day. That is the trouble with cycling in one direction rather than a loop; if you start with a headwind you are pretty much stuck with it. The cycling however was excellent. The small country roads of North Yorkshire were pretty much deserted and navigation from little village to little village was easy. I stopped twice in small tea rooms and on both occasions the welcome and service couldn’t have been warmer.
Just beyond Scotch Corner I cut inland and headed for Barnard Castle. North from there the countryside changed markedly as I climbed into the North Pennines. It feels increasingly remote and frontier like, which makes sense as this area is the watershed that divides the country into east and west. I am also, of course, nearing the Scottish border, but that is a tale for tomorrow!
Finally, mention must be made of my accommodation for the evening. I’m staying at Langdon Beck Youth Hostel, which is in an absolutely stunning location. Duncan, the manager, is extremely friendly and welcoming – and as I speak he is making a chilli for those staying tonight. This place is everything that is good about Youth Hostelling.
Tomorrow – Melrose.
