England – part 1

We entered England early in the morning 16 June. We were the first “post-lockdown” bicyclists on the P&O ferry from Rotterdam to Hull and the first American tourists (via NL) at the Custom agent’s desk. We had the online registration for NHS completed for contact purposes, a booking receipt for two weeks “in shelter”, and a memo from NL of compliance with their national health measures – as opposed to random tourism without regard to the corona virus restrictions. The customs agent cheerfully welcomed us to the UK with the clear proviso that IF we become ill, we will not have free access to NHS health care services.

Hull & Barton-upon-Humber

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Our booking at Marshlands Lakeside Nature Retreat was a 12 mile ride from Hull’s port The route included crossing the Humber bridge. The world’s largest bridge upon completion in 1981, it is now the 11th longest suspension bridge. The ride across was better than a day at Disney!

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York

After two weeks of self-quarantine, we had put together a feasible route and were ready to head north to Scotland. We had to set up over night stays that would allow camping – the facilities had to meet the new Covid-19 sanitation standards – or B&Bs with en suite, unshared accommodations. We faced a few challenges! Many campgrounds did not have the facilities or man power to re-open after lock down. This made planning for our destinations complicated because we had to find legal places to stay. Our first stop was a cozy Hobbit hut in York and of course we arrived… in the RAIN!

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North Pennines

After a lovely stay with Warmshowers hosts in Richmond, we headed into the vast moorlands of the North Pennines where we were hit by winds reaching 80 mph! At the end of a long day, we actually got a 10 mile lift from our cyclist hosts up to the Hole House bunkhouse in Eastgate. The winds continued the next day and again we were able to hop a mid-day ride from another cycling enthusiast up to Haltwhistle.

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Hadrian’s Wall

We spent two days at a B&B recovering from the Pennines and exploring the sites and museums of Hadrian’s wall by bus!.
Vindolanda Trust – Roman Army Museum
Hadrian’s Wall Path

Our rainy ride along Hadrian’s Wall included the Carvoran fort museum site and ruins amidst the beautiful Northumberland landscape. In Walton, we found the Old Vicarage B&B with a brewery converted from an old barn. The brews and meal were excellent! A great way to welcome July and wrap up our Hadrian’s Wall tour.

Bicycle of the month

The journey continues: