Caught the 10.54 Virgin train to Newcastle (and then connections to Carlisle and Whitehaven) and by golly it was on time. That boded well as Virgin trains are often tardier than a disorganised woman on her wedding day. And it was sunny for the first time in ages too. Wondered if I'd be leaving that behind.
Some of the countryside between Carlisle and Whitehaven was lovely. Firstly you could see Skiddaw in the distance on your left hand side and looking imposing, then the Irish sea with the Scottish coast across the Solway Firth. All bathed in glorious sunlight.
View from the train across the Irish Sea
From the station at Whitehaven I cycled a mile or so up a hill to the Glen Ard guest house which was to be my only planned B&B for the week (camping the rest). Proprietors very friendly and for £22 I had no complaints. After watching the final, exciting few holes of The Open at Carnoustie I wandered into town to find something to eat and drink as well as identifying the start of the C2C route itself. Whitehaven is an odd, mixed up sort of place. The waterfront/marina is lovely (save the tons of seagull shit everywhere) and has obviously had shedloads of cash spent on it. The centre of town, on the other hand, was a chav magnet and best avoided. Steak and chips and 3 pints of Jennings Cocker Hoop. Lovely.
Whitehaven Marina
Some nice artwork amongst the seagull shit
The start point
Looking forward to tomorrow.
2 comments:
What's "miced up"?
Oh curse my wretched typing skills. I'll amend.
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