STUFF

Keep it simple and trusted.

ROUTE & MAPS
Neither of us liked being tied down to route or distances, so while a 'rough' route had been planned, detailed planning was on a day to day basis taking into account terrain, weather and simply what we felt like. Maps were the OS 250,000 which were fine, with only five needed. We decided to avoid the A30, to go up through the Welsh borders, to keep left of Glasgow and not to use the A9. Other than that we just set off.

ACCOMMODATION
Flexibility was key, so we took our trusted lightweight SAUNDERS SPACEPACKER and SNUGPAK sleeping bags. Some people always use camping mats but we don't. A small MSR compact stove and two nesting mess tins sufficed for brew ups and cooking. Stops were at a mix of small sites and wild 'over-the-hedge' sites, the latter being the most enjoyable.
We also used some Youth Hostels, but only where convenient, phoning ahead the morning of our proposed stay.
The occasional B & B was also visited.
Always having the tent available removed any pressure and we would do the same again.

BIKES
KJ took her trusted DAWES SARDAR, which must be one of the best off-the-peg touring bikes available, while I took my custom built ROBERTS AUDAX. Neither of us experienced any mechanical mishap, other than a squeaking chain after one wet day. Puncture count was Zero.

LUGGAGE
Prior to this trip we invested in some new ORTLIEB panniers. They lived up to their reputation and I'd not hesitate to recommend them.
We took one pair each, a 30L Sport Packer Plus and a 40L Bike Packer Plus. Even though we had camping equipment they were ample for our needs.

GRUB
We eat what we fancy! usually a cooked breakfast - bacon in a roll type of thing, and a stop for 11'ses or a brew up. Lunch was often a picnic, and evening meal depended on where we were - perhaps a camp cooked pasta. We did enjoy a number of transport wagons the further north we got. We made sure we drank lots - and Lucozade Sport was a favourite as it is so readily available. Despite my penchant for real ale it was decided to make it an alcohol free trip so pub stops were usually orange and soda.

ROAD SAFETY
We found driving standards abysmal. The impatience astounds. Car drivers will overtake when vehicles are coming the other way. This particularly applied in Scotland. We found a number of laughable cycle lanes - just why do councils bother as they are usually more dangerous than the roads and are not at all helpful.

TRAINING
Ha ha, don't laugh. This was non-existent. The need to train specifically for such a ride is overrated. I think its a ploy by the sports and health industry to make you pay out for advice, gizmos, special foods, and so on and an attempt to hype up the difficulty of the ride.
Cycling is a simple activity. So long as you are averagely fit and have a reliable bike I think almost anyone should be able to enjoy this ride.
Don't be taken in by those who say you need 100s of miles in your legs and who follow rigid training plans over months beforehand.
Unless you are out to beat records, just do it.

BUGS & MIDGES
KJ was seeing slugs everywhere. From night one, when sleeping rough in a field, they seemed to follow her. They were always enormous - so she said. Midges? What midges.