2024

Glasgow to Dunbar

Day 3

28.4 Miles

It was quite a decent breakfast , after we had got into the breakfast room,
The waitress asking every individual if they had any allergies, or dietary requirements, then explaining how the buffet breakfast worked 

Just a sign of the times I suppose, just frustrating as we were keen to be saddled up and away and none of us have any allergies,
and we did have a train to catch.

Anyway after our breakfast which was again excellent we headed out to unload the van and we even managed to get started on schedule. 
The car park busy with people going to gym next door to the hotel all looking for parking spots near the door.

We got saddled up and away for our last day of the holiday, its a bit of on road riding and shared footway but not too busy.

 
Again the weather is set fair and warm and sunny. As we are heading into Musselbrough we go past an outdoor exercise class. 
All exercising on the grassy area near the cycle route. 

There is a statue that looks interesting so we have to take a picture, taking care to avoid getting the exercise class in the shot.

The route seems to follow the coast but its worth having a double check

Quick map check view back towards Edinburgh and sunny skies

View towards the coast and a sea fret rolling in

The route took us out to the coast then round the outside of Musselbrough hugging the coast all the way. 
It was mist out to sea and sunny on land, we hoped it would stay that way.

After we left the coastal path the cycle route headed inland, following the main road  but the cycle lane was on a shared footpath so felt pretty safe.
 Then we came to the point where we had to leave the road which was a tricky bit of navigation as we had to cross the road.
Then negotiate a few turns where there were different options, until we picked up the old railway line that climbed steadily for the last rise of the ride. 

This Brought us out to another road with the cycle way again on a shared footpath. 

Then we had to cycle through Haddington, A lovely picturesque town with shops but having to share the roads again with vehicles, so time for a cafe stop.

Nice food stop in the sunshine	Picturesque main street
Very scenic in the sun

The route out of the town took us on the old road and past some wonderful scenery over an old bridge.
Another photograph opportunity

Nice view towards the church from the old bridge	Picturesque cottages beside the river
All stopping to take in the scenery	Photographs for everyone

So we followed the well signed route, again on a B road but it was very light traffic so no issues.
 Soon we are signed off the B road onto a single track narrow road that leads us towards Dunbar and past Hailes Castle which is closed so no need for a detour to view it.

After just over a mile  we come off the single track road through  East Linton a small village, then under a railway bridge and turn right onto an A road.
Again there is a nice wide shared cycle footway so traffic is not an issue. Just as well as we have three miles to ride on this stretch.

Then we come to a roundabout signed Dunbar, again keeping us on a shared foot/ cycleway beside the A1087

This would take  us into Dunbar. 
However as we neared the town the cycle route again took us out towards the coast then through some houses and past a nice golf course, 
It seemed a bit of a detour but as we cycled along the coast line the views were our reward.

The weather was superb even locals were out admiring view, saying they never had seen it as good. 
Our phones cameras could not do the views justice

Nice calm sea	Sands and trees
View out over the sea	Scotland is known for its excellent golf courses.
Nice rock structure

Then the route took  us along to the leisure centre where there was car park overlooking the small harbour. 
The end of the ride. Ian had parked in the railway station and walked up to meet us. 
We had made good time 
So then after the usual photos we cycled down to the station and placed our bikes in the van ready for the journey home. 

Nice scenic spot to end the ride, overlooking Dunbar Harbour

The end of the ride photograph, Thanks Ian.

We took the opportunity to change some of our clothes ready for the journey home.
Then as we had time we walked up the town for refreshments, some of us got sandwiches others had a pint in the pub.
Then we  all met back up for the train, with no reserved seats we just had to find what we could and took the first seats we found. 
It was strange because we had travelled up on a large intercity but the return train was just an ordinary locomotive, more like a feeder regional type but with a few extra carriages.
Colin went to check the rest of the train and found the rear carriage had lots of space,
 so we decamped there where could all sit together.
We arrived back at Darlington exactly on time unfortunately our connecting train to Bishop was delayed, so we had a long wait.
What should have been 25 mins ended up nearly an hour wait. 
Colin checked where the van was, Ian had made good time and already had been to Colin's house and was on his way to the other drop offs. 
Colin got off at Newton Aycliffe and rest of carried on to Bishop where our lifts were waiting. 

Another great ride, we all agreed the best yet for scenery, the weather and the route, 
I think the flat route with next to no climbs was a big hit with everyone. 
They have challenged me to organise an even better ride next year.  

I will have to try very hard to better the 2024 ride. 

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