From Berwick on Tweed to Kelso (Day 8)
Updated: Jul 2
Mileage: 33 miles Elevation Gain:1,507ft
Can you imagine my surprise/shock when I looked in the mirror this morning? In spite of using oodles of sun screen my face has caught the sun. That would have been OK except that my bike- helmet straps have left two,very visible, white stripes down the side of my face. (laughing emoji!)
Well, today was so very different from yesterday and was a truly joyous ride. You can see from the elevation graph above that there was one hill after another. Before setting out I was quite apprehensive about it but in effect it was possibly one of the best rides of the trip. None of the hills were very long and after climbing each one there followed an exhilarating descent which propelled us half way up the next hill without ever needing to pedal until near the top. The weather was cycle perfect! tail winds again helping us make progress, and a totally cloudless sky when we left Allison, our terrific host at Roxborough. We cycled through beautiful countryside on minor roads which were all so well surfaced and free from pot holes... very different from roads in Thanet! All day we cycled through both arable and cattle farms, (no sign of sheep today) as we passed and it was terrific to discover that all the farms were very active with not a new housing development to be seen. All were producing food and keeping their farms pristine.
So, we left England and cycled into Scotland when we suddenly came to the Union Chain Suspension bridge over the river Tweed which took us over the border and back into England again. As we approached the bridge I truly thought that an official was booking an errant car!
After a steepish hill we soon came to the wonderful Chain Bridge Honey Farm. It is a large farm geared to visitors and selling honey. They have currently 1,800 hives each with over 1000 bees in each hive - and we didn't see one bee!! However, they encourage you to taste the wide variety of honey and it was delicious, totally unlike the honey we buy at the supermarket. We bumped into a Beekeeper in the garden and we struggled to get away - honey appears to loosen the tongue! The farm is full of old and antique farm vehicles which they are intending to renovate. Tea and coffee served from an ancient bus.
We carried on through the glorious countryside, returning back into Scotland and enjoying the exciting descents all the way into Kelso.
We arrived at our terrific guest house - Inglestone B&B, with the super Lisa and Colin.
We were happy to arrive and rest up as we have a heavy day tomorrow - Over 30miles and 2000 ft of climbing. Rain is forecast all day as we approach our overnight accommodation in Innerleithen.
G'night our lovely friends and family. xx
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