Irvine to Dumfries

After a lady saw me looking forlorn late last night she asked her partner to suggest a good wild camping spot with some light to help pitching and also reasonably safe. His suggestion turned out to be perfect for my needs and will be used again. After saving money on a campsite there is a tendency to visit more eateries as regular readers may have noticed.

With Arran in mist and cloud, the three best bits of the cycling today were following Sustrans Route 7 through the Shewalton Wildlife Reserve near Irvine, the first few miles in Dumfries and Galloway on the A 713 with the hills looking great and the lochs blue and the last few miles (on Route 7) in the evening light with the sun behind.

The vegan breakfast at Willie Wastles Sports Bar and Restaurant at Ayr was substantial and very good value. Breakfast is served from 9 am to midday and then both the main and "light bite" menus are available until 8 pm. It has been a dependable stop for me over the years.

Arrival at the Hollybush Inn was just before lunchtime and the order of soup and latte was accompanied (without need for a request) by a pint of water with ice and a slice of lemon. After cycling in the warmth all of the liquid slipped down.

The Clachan Inn in Dalry (local CAMRA winner for the past n years) was good for a generous tasty coffee, alcohol-free Guinness and a rest.

Stats for the day were a distance of 78 miles with 3000 feet of ascent and 1800 active calories.