Magherafelt, Draperstown, Greencastle, Gortin, Newtownstewart, Victoria Bridge, Clady, Castlefin, Stranorlar/Ballybofey, Barnesmore Gap, Donegal Town, Laghy, Pettigoe and overnight in Belleek
(Counties Derry, Tyrone, Donegal, Fermanagh)
171 km 8 hrs 20 mins cycling time Average speed 20.5 km / hr Hybrid
Reckoning that there would be some climbing today over the Sperrin Mountains, I opted for the Dawes hybrid with its lower gear ratios. Shortly after Draperstown I missed a turn to the right and was bemused for a while when expected villages didn’t appear.
I had planned to cycle down the Glenelly Valley to Plumbridge but by the time I realised my error there was no point in turning back…just made the best of where I was and met up with the B46 at Greencastle and turned right for Newtownstewart. The detour hadn’t resulted in any extra or fewer kilometres. 
In Gortin I had an interesting conversation with Telecom workers as I refuelled with Lucozade. 
Back over the border again at the bridge in Clady and hardly a sign to mark the passage. 
Lunch in Ballybofey and now I was facing into a wind as I entered Barnesmore Gap. 
In the narrowest part of the pass the wind was gale-force straight into my face; I was glad to get back out into the open country again. 
Just short of Donegal Town I turned south-east and headed for county Fermanagh which I entered at Pettigoe and cycled on towards Kesh. 
From here it was a straight line along Boa Island in Lower Lough Erne towards Beleek. Rain at this stage was torrential and blowing into my face. No point in changing or covering up with destination just up ahead. I was glad to have accommodation all organised and a hot shower waiting.
No comments:
Post a Comment