Days 44 and 45. Home. Took a trip over to Lancaster on Friday and met up with Ruth for a visit to an art exhibition at the University. Not far from the uni is the village of Ellel (wonderful economy of letters) and in a nearby old mill a group of artists have established studios in which they can work and support each other, the result is some really interesting work inspired by the landscapes, weather and seas. There was considerable skill and imagination displayed in the works although not to the extent I felt compelled to part with any money. Saturday has seen me and my sons bitterly regretting ever forming an attachment to Sheffield Wednesday as we go to the last match of the season next week still in danger of relegation, we had hoped we would be able to enjoy the game knowing we were safe but having lost today we have a nervy game to endure next week. We sought solace in chocolate and were cheered by Yorkshire's brilliant win in their cricket match against Durham. Last hockey of the season tomorrow. Good night.

Days 42 and 43. Home. I have been very lazy and done very little the last couple of days. However I have started trying to turn my adventure into a book, hopefully it will be more entertaining than my blog (it is difficult writing great prose on a little screen with a stylus). I will let you know how it goes and if it ever actually becomes a book. I went into work today and was pleased to see everyone looking well although it seems many of the stresses and strains of managing the place remain and I need to consider very carefully if I want to return. My new tent has arrived and I am feeling stupid, although it is very light it does not pack up small enough to take on the bike so I think I will persevere with the old patched tent and get some new poles for it. Sorry this is not very interesting, I shall put some previously unseen pics from my trip below. Good night. A string of racehorses out exercising near Devizes and one very angry looking eagle.

Day 41. Home. I have never been very good at gardening I am far too impatient and invariably try to get things done too quickly and neglect proper preparation. Consequently any efforts I make to actually grow things in the garden end in disappointment. Today, as it was fine I contented myself with cutting the grass (St George's day and the first lawn mowing of the year!) and some general tidying up of the wilderness that constitutes my garden. Daffodils still blooming and some still in bud .... astonishing. James returned today from a holiday with his Mother and Grandfather in Spain which they had all enjoyed. Tomorrow I shall get out for a bike ride and give serious consideration to whether or not to return to my job when my leave ends and if not what am I going to do instead. I shall now try to add some pics. Good night. pics of Salisbury cathedral and Burnham Ottery Town church.

Day 40. Home. A time to catch up with things, sort out finances, washing and ironing (oh yes I am a man who can iron ....not that I enjoy it). I have arranged to have the bike serviced before I set off again and have ordered a new tent as although the old one served me well it is very small, is 10 years old, has needed patching and one of the poles has disintegrated. I have been quite tired today and have had a couple of sleeps during the day, I knew coming home to recharge would be a good idea. I have lost 7lbs in weight over the last 5 weeks despite eating lots so cycling must burn the calories very well.

Day 39. Home. There really is no place like home and sleeping in your own bed (especially when you get to my age). Lots of post to catch up on and washing to do but most important going to play hockey. Not very many people turned up today but we still had a good competitive game with some good passing moves and well taken goals. However, I am feeling the strain from such vigorous activity and my hip and shoulder are complaining I think I shall have to consult my doctor before going to Scotland. My youngest son and his girlfriend have been here this weekend and it was good that I was not returning to an empty house but they depart for Leeds this evening so I am debating whether or not to go to the quiz on my own, perhaps not, looks a bit odd going to a quiz as a team of one.

Day 38 Lancaster Taking your bike on a train requires a fair degree of forward planning, to be sure of getting it on you have to book a place for the bike (no charge for this) no just turning up and bunging it in the guards van. Be sure to find out where to position yourself on the platform so you don't have a frantic dash down the platform to find the right door to get on (you can't wheel a bike through the carriages). There are racks to put your bike on that require you to up-end the bike and put the front wheel on a hook and fasten the rear wheel with a strap, not easy with full panniers and another bike aready on an adjacent rack. Also beware that other bikes may have accumulated during the journey and your bike may get penned in so allow plenty of time to extricate it when you are getting off. That said the train journey from Winchester to Lancaster (change at Wolverhampton) went very well and was on time. I had a very pleasant evening with Ruth catching up on news and looking at pictures of my tripSaturday morning we had a walk along the canal before an excellent breakfast at a nice deli coffee bar in Lancaster before I was once more on the bike for the ride home. It really was the most beautiful day and the road from Wray via Mewith, Keasden and Eldroth gave the most fantastic views of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-Y-Ghent. I was not alone in being able to appreciate the scenery I must have passed over 100 other cyclists out on that route some very determined looking lycra-cyclers and others enjoying the view. It is good to be back home but I must now begin preparations for part 2 of the trip as I head north next month, I have learned alot from part 1 and will put that knowledge and experience to good effect to make the next part a little easier. Good night. . Pics of Lancaster canal and curious cloud over Lancaster.

Day 37 part 1 9.30 in the morning and I am back in Wetherspoons for breakfast (porridge, bacon roll and a large latte for less than a fiver, how do they do it?). I am not alone however other than I appear to be the only one having a solid breakfast, it appears that opening a pub for breakfast brings in everyone in the area who has an alcohol problem, all my co-customers have a pint in front of them. I am grateful that I could not face a beer so early in the day, most are sitting alone and the place is rather quiet it feels sad and a little uncomfortable. For the first time this trip I was able to pack up the tent dry and having slept well am ready for the trip home by rail. I love long train journeys and my only anxiety is they won't let me on withvall the baggage on the bike but I will deal with that if and when it arises. The pics I put on yesterday were of Salisbury Cathedral at night, Winnall wetlands, Alresford fulling mill and Mottisfont Abbey. I shall leave you with pics of a tree and a gardeners break. Will trycto post again later. p.s. More people have come in including a family with small children and there are now proper breakfasts being taken (judgemental or what!).

Days 35 and 36 (I think)
Winchester.
Didn't get to post yesterday due to low battery, have now found a Wetherspoons so getting to charge phone and get free wifi.
Salisbury was very noisy Tuesday night with a police helicopter buzzing around for about half an hour then on Wednesday morning every lawn mower and power tool in the district seemed to be in use from 8 a.m.
My journey yesterday was mostly great, I stopped at Mottisfont Abbey for a wander around the house and gardens which was very fine and well worth a visit.
I then continued on my way towards Winchester along an old railway line to King's Sombourne during which I encountered no fewer than 4 stoats on of which I inadvertently robbed of it's lunch by startling it so much it let go of the baby rabbit it had, which promptly shot off in one direction while the stoat let out an anguished squeal as it shot off in the other direction almost under my wheels.
After King's Sombourne I missed a turn and added 6 miles to my route but it was very nice weather and untaxing cycling so I was not too distressed.
I found a Caravan Club site that takes tents a couple of miles out of Winchester and after pitching camp returned to the town for food and a wander round. This is another town with a long and distinguished history having been the capital of England in the time of Alfred the Great, the cathedral is imposing without being impressive but the town is lively and has plenty of interest.
Today I cycled to Alresford and discovered where some of the rich (deserving or undeserving I couldn't say) live. I expect the M3 corridor has a number of places that attract the wealthy but Alresford must rank high on any list of desirable places to live.
Boutiques, Patisseries, Delis, and Jewellers abound and not a pound shop to be seen. I wonder if the people living there have any idea what life is like in some less prosperous places in Britain. Creating wealth is all very well but unless it gets passed on to all areas it only benefits the few.
Back to Winchester this afternoon and visits to an ancient 'hospital' (alms houses) where the residents wear black or red robes and give 'dole' (beer and bread) to travellers, then I visited the town mill which has been restored by the National Trust and again produces stone ground flour.
There is an an abundance of rivers and waterways hereabouts and it is a centre for watercress production, I took a very pleasant walk through some preserved wetlands on the edge of the city centre but didn't see any of the otters or water voles that live there, however did get to watch a Jay as it went about it's business.
Evening meal at an excellent tapas bar and thence to here to write this.
Tomorrow I return north for a break before heading further north next month.
I shall continue this blog as  I reflect on my journey so far.
Good night.

Days 33 and 34 Christchurch market, Hengistbury head and Salisbury. Didn't get round towriting anything yesterday but did have busy day going to Christchurch market and then to a Raptor and Reptile place that looked a bit in need of investment and smartening up but there were some magnificent birds including Eagles, Owls and Vultures, however my favorites were Harvest mice being bred for release into the wild, utterly charming tiny little creatures. Last night we had a walk to Hengistbury head to watch the sunset but this was thwarted by cloud but I took some pics anyway. This morning after taking my nephew to school I was back on the bike for a lovely ride through the New Forest to Salisbury, stopping for lunch at Castle Hill overlooking the Avon valley. I got to Salisbury about 2.30 threw the tent up and went to see Old Sarum which was occupied by humans from the iron age until being abandonded in the 16th century having once had a huge castle, Cathedral and town from 1070 to 1150 before the King and Church fell out and the new Cathedral in Salisbury was built taking the town with it. Salisbury seems a fine town dominated by the breathtaking Cathedral. It really is very picturesque and I have taken loads of pics. Now in Wetherspoons enjoying a nice pasta dish to give me energy for the ride to Winchester tomorrow. This means I shall miss the ridiculous overblown funeral of MT it really beggars belief that such a devisive individual should be afforded such ceremony and reverence, I turn my back on whole charade. Good night. Pics of Hengistbury head, Harvest mice, Avon valley, Old Sarum and Salisbury Cathedral.

Day 32 Bornemouth (Tuckton actually). Still drying out, tent, bike cover and sleeping bag all hanging in the garage and clothing and gloves on racks and radiators. I was utterly soaked through yesterday. Thank you all for the recent comments they are appreciated and encouraging knowing I was not the only one getting rained on. Lazy today, accompanied my nephew to his tennis lesson that turned out not to be on but hit some tennis balls anyway then out for the day to Corfe Castle and Swanage. I remember many years ago my Dad sending a postcard of Corfe Castle from a field trip he was on and from then on wanted to visit the place, it took 45 years but I got there a few years ago and it was nice to return. There knights in armour and ladies in flowing dresses and headdresses recreating life in a 14th century castle (part of the National Trust's drive to get families in). Swanage is a lovely seaside town, facing east means it isn't the warmest but it is sheltered from the south westerly wind. We had a stroll along the beach and a cream tea before coming back via the ferry that runs from Studland to Sandbanks. This evening I went along to the local table tennis club for the over 55's and despite being probably the youngest there was outclassed in both ability and energy (think I might retire to Bournemouth it seems to have a revitalising effect on people). Tomorrow I shall be lazy again before moving on to Salisbury on Tuesday, I may well try and get back to Yorkshire by Saturday so I can get to hockey on Sunday but this will mean resorting to rail travel, we shall see. Good night.

Day 31 Bournemouth. What a miserable day to be outside, it started Ok and after a hearty breakfast at the B+B in Shaftesbury I left that delightful town before 10 a.m. and enjoyed good progress for 3 miles in dry if misty conditions. As I neared the top of the first climb of the day zig zagging up the hill at Melbury Abbas the rain started. It stayed with me and got heavier as I pedalled resolutely onward to Tollard Royal, Cranbourne Chase (which is apparently very scenic but it was impossible to tell so dense was the mist and rain), Farnham (missing out on the delightfully named Sixpenny Handley) and on to Wimbourne Minster. I was so cold and wet by this point I went into Waitrose to get food, warmth and a quick change into some dry clothes. The local Police and motor traders were holding a joint road safety and economical car promotion (not sure what a 1987 Aston Martin DB7 was doing there but it looked very nice)and I did feel sorry for their somewhat bedraggled appearance and futile efforts to engage people more intent on getting somewhere warm and dry. If anything the rain and wind increased as I got near to the coast and I did myself no favours by missing the cycle route signs and added a few miles by going into Poole then overshooting Southbourne to get to my destination at the home of my Brother, Sister in Law and nephew. I was very wet, my 'waterproofs' weren't up to withstanding 5 hours of persistent heavy rain and I squelched into the house and dripped on the kitchen floor. It was a great relief to get a hot shower and into some dry clothes before an excellent meal. There are no pictures today, I did consider taking a pic of the stormy seas at Bournemouth (there were people surfing ....crazy) but did not want to risk water damage to my device. Perhaps some pics tomorrow. Good night.

Day 30 (I've checked as I had lost count). Shaftesbury. I have done it again and fallen for new places. Shaftesbury is a delightful town perched on a hill overlooking Blackmore Vale and the views are stunning. There is a really nice promenade walk to allow one to take in the view which this evening with the setting sun casting a warm light over the vale and surrounding hills, truly beautiful. Shaftesbury has a long and distinguished history and is where King Alfred established a nunnery for his daughter in 800 and the town grew around that and continued after the dissolution of the monasteries. The town has lots of little ginnels and steep lanes including the famous Gold Hill (see pic). I also fell for the little town of Bruton which I had never heard of before a, charming little place with a school founded in 1519 and once had an abbey bits of which remain most obviously the dovecote that stands on the hill above the town, reminiscent of Glastonbury(see pic). I found the ride today hard work my left knee and right hip were uncomfortable so I hope a good nights rest will set me up to cope with the wind and rain expected tomorrow as I head to Bournemouth. Good night. Pics of Bruton dovecote, Gold Hill, Sexey's Hospital, Bruton (also has streets called Lusty and Amor Barton, interesting theme).

Days 26 and 27 No internet connectivity yesterday. I may have been a bit harsh on Bath, it has some very fine architecture and a wonderful walk around the hills overlooking the city and the b+b I stayed in (White Cottage) was very good. My ride over the Mendip Hills was lovely and well signed, it was a bit of a shock to have real hills again, I even had to push the bike up some. I went by Saltford and Stoke Chew to Priddy, an interesting little village with a long history nestling in a hollow on the south side of the Mendips. I had a ride over to Cheddar Gorge which is truly impressive but very much accessible only by motor vehicle, the road is narrow with no footpath but there is a good walk above the Gorge. It started raining just as left the Gorge and continued all night and into this morning. I spent yesterday evening and this evening in the Queen Victoria pub in Priddy, quite the best pub I have been too, friendly, warm, good food and a good selection of beers and ciders. Today I cycled round the Priddy Nine Barrows then had a walk round Ebbor Gorge above Wookey Hole, not as big and impressive as Cheddar but I had the place to myself and the only sound was birdsong. Suddenly there are insects I have been able supplement my diet by cycling with my mouth open, I have also found myself getting too hot for the first time on the trip. Wells is another interesting town steeped in all manner of history and a very good sweet shop with a surly assistant, the Cathedral is impressive and the parish church runs it close. Moving on to Glastonbury and the Tor with it's tower had to be done and is is certainly worthy of it's status, it was still a bit misty but the views were super and it certainly stands out from the levels around. The town of Glastonbury is just weird a strange mixture of traditional Somerset town and new age/alternative lifestyle vibe. Not sure who is ripping off who but anyone with an interest in crystals, meditation, yoga and any number of other practioners of 'ancient' or eastern roads to spiritual enlightenment are on hand to part you from your money (having first convinced you that material wealth is a barrier to enlightenment). I fear many vulnerable people are taken in by charlatans in Glastonbury, it certainly seems to have more than it's fair share of people living rough and with alcohol and mental illness issues. OK so I guess I had better leave the cosy warmth of the pub and get back to my cosy tent. Tomorrow, Shaftesbury. Good night.

Day 26 At last I have found a place I don't like. Bath. Now I fell out with Bath as soon as I arrived, I had fondly imagined something similar to Harrogate, classy but down to earth. Bath however is busy, noisy and tatty, I get the impression that the town has rested on it's regency heritage laurels for too long and takes it for granted that visitors will come no matter how outrageously expensive everything is or how unpleasant most of the town is. Obviously there are some very smart and impressive parts and while these have been well cared for the rest is a mess. On arriving in Bath I set about looking for a b+b but most had no vacancies and those that did have room were the most expensive I had found so far, even travelodge wanted £65, I went looking for a campsite and followed signs for 4miles out of town before turning back and eventually found a nice b+b at a price I could afford. My day started wet with the first proper rain since day 2 but it slowly improved as the day went on. My first stop of the day was West Kennet long barrow followed by Silbury Hill and Avebury all impressive and significant prehistoric sites built by some determined and industrious ancient Britons. Then by way of Devizes and the Kennet and Avon canal towpath to Bradford on Avon. All the way from Avebury to Bradford my journey was accompanied by the sound of powerful artillery explosions from Salisbury Plain, I wonder what they are practising for. At Devizes is Caen Hill locks on the canal, 29 locks raising the canal 290 feet in 2 miles (see pic) it makes Bingley5 rise look a bit tame. The ride along the canal was really good and make a delightful walk or ride at any time of year. I had thought I might spend 2 nights in Bath but have decided to move on to Wells tomorrow. Good night.

Day 25 Back to a wintery feel, not frosty but cold and grey. Up, packed and away for 9 this morning and made good progress until I missed a turn onto a bridleway so added an unnecessary 2 miles on the A420 followed by an adventure across field boundaries hoping no angry farmer appeared then another motorway junction to negotiate as I crossed the M4. Motorists seem determined to reach 70 mph before they even get on the slip road so I have to charge across the slip road the moment the slightest gap appears, thereafter it was a lovely ride along an old railway to Marleborough. I am on a forestry commision campsite in the Savenake Forest and having been for a walk there this afternoon can imagine it to be a mighty fine place in the summer. This time of year with the trees all bare and grey it is not the most thrilling of surroundings. Marleborough seems a pleasant enough place with some fine old buildings but I passed through a lovely village (oh gosh, another name I've forgotten) near Lambourn with a cottage needing a hair cut (see pic) and horses everywhere. There were a few fine looking horses out for exercise that were attracting some attention with people asking to take photos of one of the horses so imagine it was a significant horse (Shergar perhaps). Am now in search of food. Good night.

Day 24 Oxford. I was expecting something very similar to Cambridge but Oxford feels bigger, brasher and strangely less confident, as if it feels it has to show off it's achievements whereas Cambridge is understated, comfortable with it's self. However, as always I find myself liking the place, although was disappointed to find the rather modest botanic gardens closed at 4pm but did discover a charming pub tucked away down a narrow alley (St Helen's Passage) called The Turf.This pub has been there since the 14th century and has been patronised by some very famous people through the centuries including Bill Clinton who apparently did not inhale canabis smoke in this very place. Today has been the warmest since I set off and has felt properly spring like and my journey has been accompanied by much birdsong, especially sky larks and buzzards (although they more squawk than sing). Following my Google map routetook me down some pretty rough bridleways and bumpy canal towpaths but very little main road so although it was slow it was a lovely ride. The campsite is nice but noisy being right next to the railway, there is a chap camping there that has been on the road by foot since 2004 and has camped here all through the winter, I am looking forward to chatting to him some more he must have many tales to tell. Last night after the disappointment of losing at hockey my cousin, her husband, daughter and I went out for excellent fish and chips at the pub in Tadmarten where there was also music from an excellent guitarist/singer which was a nice end to my very enjoyable stay at Sibford. Now I shall upload some pics of Oxford. Good night.

Day 23. Still in Sibford having been to Eastcote in London today playing hockey for Banbury 3rd team. It is many years since I played a game of competitive game of club hockey and I was clearly not match fit, however I always enjoy a game and although I didn't see much of the ball and we lost 4-1 it was good fun and exercise. After being 3-0 behind in 20 minutes the team did much better and one of the Banbury team scored a terrific goal from the edge of the area but despite playing much better in the second half we couldn't find the goals we needed and I didn't get a shot on goal, not what was required but I tried my best but perhaps am too old to compete at that level now. Tomorrow it is back on the bike to Oxford. Good night.

Day 23 Another day in Sibford and I took the opportunity to take a good walk around the area going through Sibford Ferris, Burdrop, Sibford Gower, Epwell and back via Ditchedge Lane (a pre-roman track) and Traitors Ford. I will endeavour to post some photos that show the snow on the lane and of the ford. I spent some time cleaning and oiling moving parts of the bike and put more air in the tyres for the first time since setting off. Tomorrow I may be playing in a competitive game of hockey for Banbury against Eastcote (London) as they could be short of a player, an exciting prospect if it happens. I believe the weather may warm up a little next week, I will believe it when it happens although I expect warmer will mean wetter. Good night. Epwell Curch, Ditchedge Lane full of snow, Traitors Ford.

Day 22 It is so good to be in Sibford, a quiet little Oxfordshire village on the edge of the Cotswolds where my Mother was born and where my Aunt, Uncle and cousins still live. I spent many holidays here as a child and have memories of hot, sunny summers spent playing cricket, cycling, going on walks, outings and (dangerously) building dens in the straw bales. In those days the farm was a pig farm and I remember being woken by the sound of pig feeding activity early in the morning it was all so novel and different from life in the city and even though the pigs have been replaced by sheep it stills feels like a second home. I am having a lazy day today, having cycled about 170 miles in 4 days and had 3 nights in the tent I am allowing myself a little respite before moving on to Oxford. It remains bitterly cold with a stiff easterly breeze and snow flurries, however I am determined to get out for a walk later and hopefully help with feeding some lambs. Meanwhile I shall now try to upload some pics from a Milton Keynes evening. Good day.

Day 21. Although I did like Milton Keynes in many respects it does feel a bit strange and can look deserted and is very big, it took me about an hour to cycle out of the city onto the appalling A241 which frayed my nerves so much I detoured via Winslow to Buckingham. I then took the opportunity to visit the landscape gardens at Stowe. These are a bit like Studley Royal at Fountains Abbey but without the advantage of the Abbey ruins and a bit over the top really, ostentatious. I wonder at the arrogance, self confidence and belief in their right to as they pleased of those who developed these opulent parks building great follies to impress their peers when their workers would have lived in much more modest circumstances. However, one cannot help but be awed by the scale of the place. I then continued to Brackley,Banbury and Sibford to stay with my cousin on their farm also calling in on my Aunt and Uncle. I will be staying here a day or two before moving on. Some pics of Stowe. Good night. Pics of frosted tent at Milton Keynes and Stowe.

Day 20 I felt very intrepid this morning, the tent was white with frost and I had survived the coldest night so far. The night sky over Cambridge was very clear last night with many stars and planets on view, unfortunately the battery in my device had run right down thanks to Starbucks kicking me out before it had charged up. Anyway, Cambridge is a fascinating city well adapted to a bicycle life and with so many astonishingly fine buildings anyone of which could form the pride and joy of most towns. I know some of you have suggested I ditch the tent but I am really enjoying camping and it costs about 20% of the price of b+b. The caravan and camping sites I have used are all well equipped, at Polstead the showers had underfloorheating. By the way the town I forgot yeaterday was Haverhill. I was sorry to miss Old Scholars reunion at Ackworth I shall make a point of being there next year to save someone else the ignomy of coming last in the Badsworth run. Today's journey has been by turns delightful (Grantchester), quiet (10 minutes without seeing another vehicle on the B1042), frustrating (getting lost in Bedford), muddy(trying to get unlost in Bedford), infuriating(doing extra miles due to getting lost in Bedford), terrifying (cycling 10 miles on the A214 due to getting lost in b####dy Bedford) andgreat relief on reaching the most cycle friendly place on earth, Milton Keynes. This is a town that has been sneered at and been the butt of many jokes but as you know I am easily pleased and although the place has no sense ofhaving grown gradually over time the open space and the way traffic is kept away from bikes and pedestrians is veryappealling and the copious bits of public art etc is endearing. I like it. Will now try for some pics. Good night.

Day 20 pics of Cambridge and Milton Keynes.

Day 18 (I am losing count could be 19). There is carnage on the roads on my route today from Polstead to Cambridge via Sudbury and somewhere really big but I can't remember what is called (I know it hasa Wimpy cos I had lunch there). Anyway much of the time I was A roads and number of dead birds (including a barn owl), badgers and deer I saw was quite sad. The quiz last night was good fun and I got into a team with some very nice people and we were called the 'smegheads',we got off to a storming start and although we didn't make best use of our joker (had we played it round 3 instead of 2 we would have scored 12 more points) by have time we had a big lead but were reeled in as we did poorly on comedy, sport and lines from movies so finished 4th. It was an entertaining 2.5 mile ride back to the campsite in the dark but I made it and had a good night's sleep. Up early and away this morning arriving in Cambridgeat 2.30. Now in Starbucks that is about to close but I will try and upload some pics before they kick me out. Good night.