Red Moss to Dumfries

The 5 am start on the B7078 past the Red Moss Hotel & Truck Stop was too early for a cooked breakfast at a pit stop at the convenient Abington services and indeed the whole final leg to Dumfries was achieved with existing picnic food and no caffeine. A left turn at Abington past Mount View Campsite followed the NCR road signage and not the main road as still indicated on the latest OS maps.

The remaining route home was the exact reverse of that on Day 1 and the total distance today was 49 miles. The due-south portions of an overall meandering path were often in a wet headwind and difficult. Visibility was never approaching good and enjoyment was minimal, but satisfaction accrued from the state of the legs over the final 1O miles.

The washing machine soon had plenty of use and collection of ordered goods from Mountain Warehouse, the Amazon pick—up PO and Halfords were all as hoped for. The walking on tired legs was not quick and the cycling effort combined with restricted sleep led to a groggy feeling at times.

Overall reflections include how supplies of suncream are diminishing slowly and that food has been keeping well for days out of the fridge. The short tour was very varied and has left a host of memories and newbies to seek out in future tours.