TUESDAY 13th April CREETOWN

TUESDAY 13th April CREETOWN - DUMFRIES 50 MLS

Its raining again - Best breakfast of the ride but unfortunately we had to brave the elements yet again.
Into the town to the Post Office and a Creetown FC Scarf. We wondered why the Post Office was full yet no one was buying. The post office obviously doubles for the Bus shelter and emptied when the bus arrived. It was raining, wet and cold we cycled out of Creetown and a steady climb we could see snow on the nearby hills Colin is very quiet I ask if he's OK and he informs me he is working on composing a poem as we cycle along and then trying to memorize it.
It is wild remote country. Eventually we reach a hill crest and it is a steady ride downhill for several miles into Gatehouse of Fleet. Through a very pretty valley along by the water of Fleet.

A rest by the water's edge.

Its still wet and cold, we find a cafe Tea and fresh cheese scones, a warm and a dry out. Another climb out of Gatehouse, Colin sees the main road and need some persuading to follow the rout as he was going to cycle along the hard shoulder, juggernauts, all the way to Dumfries.
We have an undulating ride through pleasant countryside and apart from cycling into the teeth of the wind we were making steady progress. The sun was trying to peep through. We arrived at Threave castle the Black Douglas's home Janes family seat. We walk down to the castle to view, Graeme is quite impressed.

Threave Castle

Colin has got his sea legs he couldn't walk straight for a while after alighting from his bike.
We have tea and sandwiches in Kelton Mains Farm shop near to Threave and then cycle into Castle Douglas. Busy town we stop at the TIC for some badges to commemorate our visit. We hit the old military road towards the Haugh of Urr, the pubs are bit light on this ride and as we cycle into the Haugh of Urr its a nice village with the Camra Pub of the Year (CLOSED). Just as well around the corner their was a few steep climbs before we got to Dumfries with lovely views of the Criffel and the sun was shining. As we cycled along looking at the Criffel I say to Colin" Name that Mountain" He replies" has it not got a name". So we should rename the Criffel Colin's hill.

"Colins Hill" ?

We climb up Bambackle Hill which is a snorter but are rewarded by views of the Lakeland
fells. We slowly ride into Dumfries following the cycle lanes and eventually the Digs which are the other side of town, we arrive in sunshine. Rooms OK.

Usual turn round and then a walk round Dumfries couple of beers in the New Bazaar good pub watch the Football decent pint. Finish the night at a Mongolian restaurant different.

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1999 Day 5	1999 Day 6	1999 Day 7	1999 Poem