Day 131 Girvan to Stranraer

 

Date: Sunday 7^th July 2013   Distance: 31.79 Miles

 

We had early breakfast and drove to Stranraer where we parked the car by the station. There were few trains today and this seemed the best option. We needed to start the ride from Girvan so we took singles there, catching the first train around 10.40 suspending the 2 parts of the bike on the  hooks on the train alongside that of a cyclist going out to Galloway forest. There was mist all morning apart from near to Stranraer but not long after we set off from Girvan, near to midday, the sun broke through and it was a glorious day.

 

We had been in 2 minds whether to ride today as the road looked particularly unfriendly to cyclists, being fast with lorries, even on Sunday and with few places to stop. There was a huge hill to climb with bends but then Bob saw that there were lanes nearer the sea we could divert to and then come back to the main road near the top of the hill.

There was a good view of Ailsa Crag about 10 miles off shore and home to numerous gannets and puffins.

 

 

 

We were so pleased we decided to do it. From the bike the views were stunning and the wind was behind us most of the way. Our average speed was 10.6 miles an hour and that was with some steady climbing. I never walked a hill today- unusual for me.

 

After 14 miles we stopped at Ballantrae at a garden centre with a cafe. It looked hopeful as there were bikes already parked there. There had been nowhere else and this was great and even though a hot day we had jacket potatoes. This was a good place for children with plenty of play things and a donkey.

 

Not long after we had to leave the main road to avoid the slow dangerous climb. It was worth adding the 2 extra miles for the traffic free pretty lanes which still climbed but we could stop for a breather. We rejoined the main road and managed to top 43 miles an hour on our descent.

 

A trickling waterfall with a wall to rest the bike against made a pleasant stop despite being by the main road. Then we reached the first Irish ferry that goes to Belfast and there was traffic hurrying past to join the queues. The next ferry is for Larne and instead of Stranraer, where the station is, they both leave from Cairnryan, several miles away. The port next to the station is derelict now and surrounded by wire fencing with Keep out signs.

 

We arrived at the car in good time-3.40pm and then set off back home via Dumfreis. It took till 9pm with a stop on route so it had been a very long day but a much better one than expected.