We Made It!!!
We considered taking a taxi back to Penzance, but in the end we
went to the First Pub, about half a mile from the end point, and
had a big feedup. They had some live music and some crazy
locals. We camped across the road from the pub in a big field,
although in the morning our location was met with some
consternation from the gentleman owner of the field whom Charlie
found pulling all our pegs out when we went off in the morning
for a wander. NB if you’re ever looking for a B&B, try the Sunny
Bank Hotel in Sennen, they were very friendly to me. We got a
lift back from Lands End, but it’s only a 9 mile cycle from
Penzance, and although the bus service won’t take bikes, the
taxis will.
Conclusion
This
is a fantastic way to see the country. We saw lots of
interesting scenery, sat and thought a lot, breathed in a lot of
fresh air, and even though it had its tough moments and took
quite a lot of planning, I would happily do it again. We met
lots of people, the locals were very accommodating. The actual
riding was easier than I expected and the miles just flew by.
It’s a very free existence, going everywhere under your own
steam and sleeping in something that you’re carrying with you.
Get on and do it, book your train ticket and then there’s no
turning back.
Charlie’s Epilogue
I don't have much more to add really, perhaps just that since
doing the trip I have continued to cycle nearly everywhere
I go and it usually takes me less time that it would on the bus
or in a car. People think of what we did as an enormous feat but
what most don't realise is that cycling is by far the most
invigorating way to travel, and although it is easy to be
daunted when faced with an almighty distance such as that
between Carlisle and Manchester, the nature of the activity
allows both the time and the miles to fly by. I now feel fitter
and livelier than I ever have before and probably ever will
again. It has been the most rewarding experience of my life and
one I hope to repeat in exploration of other countries.
|
