Kirkfieldbank to Dumfries

This last day of a short lap finished well. The plan that executed enjoyably was to take very quiet minor roads to Route 74 at Happendon then to follow this cycle route all the way to Johnstonbridge. Motorway services here and at Abington were easily accessible and ideally placed for this journey. Return home from Johnstonebridge included some of the scenic Annandale Way followed by much of a well-used route of mine from Templand via Shieldhill and Locharbriggs. On this occasion a short section of the A701 was used to save a bit of time and effort.

The weather at the 8 am start was misty, particularly on higher ground, then bright sunshine left all but traces of mist and riding towards the bright sunshine left was uncomfortable for a short period. Later lots of cloud and a little mist made for excellent conditions for cycling south.

Although my watch claimed four days of battery life at Beattock it only lasted until the Tinwald area and needed to be recharged when its black face was noticed. Today’s stats (60 miles with 2500 feet of ascent and 1750 active calories) are therefore slight underestimates.