Stair rodding it down in Newton Stewart this morning folks. Left, Kieran about to get swept away from the front of out BnB in Newton Stewart.
Another hearty brekky, Pete turned up looking far too happy. Jackie at the Stables fortified us with a selection of choccies. Awful weather, particularly bad in S. and Central Scotland, great.
Hung about for 10 mins after getting soaked whilst fetching our bikes out of the shed 10 yards away. 09:30 Made a break as the rain eased off and lo! That was just about it for the day unbeknownst to us.
Headed into Kirroughtree forest and took side-shoots of reds and blacks where possible culminating in the McMoab slab section which was great, or awful, depending on your perspective!
NOTE: Indian in N.S. not the best. Birchy and Bunnage letting rip as if training for the 2012 Olympic Blowing event. Luckily KT and I were cycling upwind of them.
Headed down the Queens road which was indeed fit for a Queen til reaching the Clatteringshaw Visitors Centre at 1pm where we had what we all agreed was the best cup of tea we've had in a long time. Very sweaty at this point as the heat began to rise and the threat of rain abaited.
After a few miles diverted left off the Queens road and climbed up Maggot Hill before descending all the way down a very affable tarmac track to the Earlstoun hydro electric power station rejoining the SUW along the Water of Ken as the sun burst through the clouds and we saw the church at St Johns Town of Dalry (known locally just as 'Dalrye'). Tis a very pretty little village whose high street goes makes it's way up the hill, there's quite a few cottages for sale if anyone is looking for a bit of peace and quiet ...
We continued merily along the A702 in the knowledge that Thornhill, our destination was between 50 and 20 miles away depedning on which Dalry villager you asked. When I asked the postmaster how far it was he scratched his head and guestimated about 20 miles, his expression changed from brain-searching to one of a knowing smile, 'but it's not *all* uphill' he finished.
Long old haul along the A702 punctuated by a naan bread stop and managed to send a couple of texts thanks to having a signal. To Moniaive, another gorgeous little village with a fantastic tea shop, which given that it was only 4:30 we had time to lend custom to. We ordered a big pot of tea between us meanwhile Birchy unilaterally launched into a homemade strawberry cheesecake which looked fantastic. Defo recommend that tea shop.
Short sharp 15 minute climb for about 1.5 miles out of Moniaive then headed swiftly down to Tynron and then Penpont which sounded far too Welsh to be Scottish.
Cruised to the home of the bicycle, had a beer, KT and I went for a stroll, had lovely steak bathed in Drambuie sauce and cheese at the Thornill Hill and finally sank into bed a little achey but well fed and watered.
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