Dave. Ted and I setoff on part two of our Pennine cycle trip. Time had obviously dimmed their memories: they were quite keen despite vowing last year never to accept another of my "Do you fancy coming on a bike eide? ... it won't be hard..." innvitations.
Emma dropped us off at Appleby, which was preparing for the gypsy horse fair. The weather was perfect as we tail-winded up the Eden valley with its beautiful red sandstone villages, Cross Fell and High Cup Nick looming to our right, reminding us of the Pennines to come.
At Memerby the ascent of Hartside began. A long drag to 600metres, it is made perfect by the cafe at the top. We all sat outside and had vegetable lasagne [and chips] and enjoy the moment of feeling satisfied to have cycled up and guitily smug when looking at the motorists around us.
After Hartside the descent to Alston is fast, and a relief. The rain follows us to Haltwhistle where it stops. The route is great - we pass Robinwood, where Rowan did her activity trip last week. Then it is up across Hadrians Wall at Twice Brewed, to our fantastic B&B, where I have this internet access for free.
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