ABR Scotland's Highest Pub Day 3

 I'm glad we didn't experience it first hand as the the aftermath was shocking enough.  Whole lines of trees uprooted with dirt foundations stretching skyward. The one below reminiscent of a H.R Giger artwork, I just had to strike a pose. 

I think perhaps because I knew today was the start of the return journey I expected little of it, but in retrospect it was the day that kept on giving. 

Rising in the morning in our little cabin in the hills we began the search for fuel before heading south. The surrounding countryside and roads are stunning, never have I been so glad of a bike with a little tank forcing our search! 

Above, a little Scottish Glen caught in the morning light.  It was somewhere around here that Sarah's visor and peak vibrated off her helmet!  We fixed the visor  with a remaining screw with a leatherman multitool by the road side and were on our way again. 

One thing of note is the lack of trees, it seems everywhere you look there is barren land and logging roads. 

Now it might just be us, but doesnt the above remaining tree line look a little, erm, phallic? 😆

Our route took us in a loop around Wanlockhead, south next to the M74 and then South East towards the Pennines through picturesque southern Scotland. 

It seemed that every corner brought a beautiful sight, a great road and a smile. Look at the building below, we'd seen tens of fallen trees and yet this precariously perched specimen stands tall atop an ancient building alone in a field. 

Above and below, Lanercost Priory. Dating back to the 12th century.  And a CRF300 on its 12th tank of fuel. 

Below, the CRF300L capable of conquering all landscapes, but not passing a petrol station. This time it brought us into contact with this old Austin and oddly a Tesla filling up with petrol. 😃

Whilst at the station the Tesla owner, a friendly chap, recommend we stay in either Bernard Castle or Richmond. I'd been to neither and was open to both...

For reasons known only to Sarah she doesnt like Bernard Castle!  Muttering something about Geordies in her helmet I instead plotted a route to Richmond, Yorkshire. (Not to be confused with London) 

As the day drew to a close we rolled into Richmond and what a delight it was. It's seems to have more pubs per square foot than Dublin and I assume the hospital is doing a roaring trade in new livers! 

The most notable aspect though is the town's age and great condition. The above building is a hotel, not that we stayed at it. No, we preferred the 'Unicorn' public house.  A hotel befitting it's name in fact. Our room was quite unique, situated above the cellar and with a sloping floor. The room vibrated and buzzed due to the refrigeration units below and the slope of the bed slowly poured you into the headboard as you slept. Amazing. 

 

Joking aside though, the town is a visual celebration of old England in magnificent glory and Id recommend a visit. Just find your own unicorn to stay in. 

Shattered, and whilst eating a curry after visiting a weatherspoons (if you know us that will make a lot of sense), we both agreed, today was a good day.  

Today's route. Circa 160miles.