Day 9

I forgot to mention, on leaving the pub yesterday evening a nice couple got talking to us about our LEJOG T-shirts and gave us £10, £5 for each of our charities. Thank you!
After yesterday's super riding conditions I imagined today would be payback time. A feeling not dispelled when we woke up to grey skies and drizzle. But after yet another excellent full English - sorry, Full Scottish Breakfast we set off into the rain yet again.
On tired legs the first few hills came as a bit of a shock but we soon noticed a difference in these Scottish hills. Whilst they sometimes went on for a couple of miles they were not steep. I could often go up them on the middle front chain ring at 6 to 10 mph. And afterwards we were always rewarded with a similarly long downhill slope.
The scenery was absolutely stunning, especially Eskdale where we spent the first part of the morning.
The morning continued like this and we were making good progress so around 1.00 we stopped at a pub for lunch. This must have been the least economically viable pub in all of Scotland because there was a barmaid and a chef but until we arrived there were absolutely no customers. We wanted a sandwich but they were only serving Sunday lunches so we opted to share salmon and vegetables. We must have seemed like a couple of pensioners "ooh, that's too much for me, can we have one to share?".
The afternoon was a bit drier and continued to be easy going and we got to Edinburgh before 6.00. Had a quick shower and went to do some sightseeing. Then had the obligatory haggis, neeps and tatties on the Royal Mile.
Edinburgh is beautiful and there is so much to see. Made mental note, must come back and spend some time here.
Tomorrow we cross the Forth Road Bridge, hope the weather is good and we get some good photos.