Day 11 - Abington to Stirling

Misty start today as we left Abington after having some breakfast in the service centre. As much as I appreciate sunny weather, the fog does highlight the beauty of the countryside in a different shade.

I spent the morning riding with PJ and Barney, who’d done the longer routes yesterday. I figured I’d be able to keep up now that they were a little worn out… and so I did, just barely. We stopped first in a small café for some tea. Haggis is now back on the menu at most of these places - feels like home to me! I was too tempted by the iced yum yums though.. A good ol’ sausage roll was also a strong contender.

We then made our way to the day’s lunch stop, a quaint diner in the village of Shotts. A good portion of lasagne, chips and salad only cost £3.40 – great deal if you ask me!

The mist cleared up somewhat later on in the day and it was lovely to see the leaves beginning to turn colour for autumn. Barney and I managed to maintain a good pace and eventually caught up with the remaining two of the Vancouver Velo Vets. Together we struggled up the one and only real climb of the day, and finally made our way down to the city of Stirling.

I have to admit, the liveliness of the city is a refreshing change from the eerie silence of some of the villages we’ve stayed in. Tomorrow is the official ‘Rest Day’ – a break from cycling for our weary legs, but more importantly.. plenty of time for a long lie-in…

A midnight snack because we were hungry..

Route details