A very blustery day...

I am absolutely shattered after another long, hard day, not made an easier by the strong winds. However, I did get to spend some time in my beloved Edinburgh where I studied for my Masters.

Edinburgh Castle

 Leaving Kirkliston, I headed into Edinburgh and down Princes Street.  The pipers were playing, although the high winds made it a risky day to be wearing a kilt!  Being back in a city where I have so many happy memories of studying made me rather emotional.  I made it down to my old church, although as the doors were locked and everyone was singing, I only managed to get in for the last five minutes of the service.  This did, however, give me chance to sing the "Amen" as a I used to, a treasured memory of the services there.

The church I attended whilst studying in Edinburgh

I managed to have a walk around Macmillan Hall, although didn't get a chance to revisit the Art College where I had spent so much time, as I needed to get back on the road again.

The wind today was immense, to the point that trees were bending over in the wind.  This meant it took about six hours to travel 40 miles and was a massive physical drain.  I did however manage to adjust the saddle in order to ease the pressure on my knees, which thankfully no longer hurt.

We have deviated slightly from the intended route, as we couldn't get a campsite in Biggar.  So I headed down the A7 past Stow. The route was hard with a long climb into the wind.  However, a highlight of the day was the most incredible caramel shortbread I have ever tasted (probably made all the better owing to the fact I hadn't yet had lunch!).

From here I headed past Galashiels to Hawick.

We've had a delicious tea in the van and we've been invited to the tent opposite for a beer, which will be most welcome after such a long day. 

They say these sorts of trips teach you about yourself and I know that I have always been determined.  At times today however, I'm not sure where I've found the will to keep going.  My reserves are far deeper than I realised.

We're now in the Borders country and will be crossing back into England tomorrow. I have now covered 1/3 of the country and I'm over  halfway through my northern leg.  I can't quite believe how much ground I've covered when looking over the A to Z!

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