and onwards to Wales and England eventually heading for a north sea ferry? We will see how the legs arse and head go

I’m heading off tomorrow 15/6 and riding across to the west on the canal. Tomorrow night at my folks in Milgavie then ride down to the Ayrshires coast via loch Winnoch. Camp up at a campsite on the coast. Then head for the ferry at Cairnryan to Larne Heading for my pals near Bantry.

I believe there are some STWers Ayrshire way – who will appear into the daylight? Some route and pub advice on my way thru Ireland would be nice as well. Ill head over west and then south I think broadly

I’m having a little panic now but I think everything is sorted

Part one here for those who missed it

Tjs recovery ride: advice, routes, rides n beer

Ooh wave to my old uni friend Tamsin and her chooks in Lochwinnock when you pass! She has a lovely eeb now due to neurological problems in her legs making it hard to walk. If you a pass a redhead swearing like a trooper say hi!
And enjoy the trip generally…👍

Bon voyage!

Ireland is on my radar for a possible spring ride next year…

Question: how easy/acceptable is wild (roadside-ish) camping in Ireland?

I’ll be reading the thread.

Scotroutes – by my understanding not really acceptable / done. It will have to be campsites mainly

Arghh, my home patch Thursday, and my mum still lives in Lochwinnoch..Alas I will be in Birmingham.. 😳

Hope you have a brilliant time TJ

Re wildcamping. On the coast there are plenty of spots. Inland less so. Since there are no footpaths it’s pretty hard to get off the road. And there seemed to be quite a few locked gate’s and signs. We couldn’t really reconcile this with everyone being super friendly. Anytime we needed a spot a polite enquiry did the trick. Didn’t really see any campsites, and any that were were massive holiday parks.

@tjagain I’m on my nights so no chance I’ll be coming out to play ☹

If you get stuck and need any mechanical assistance I will be available for support if need be!

Tj you’ll have a blast ireland is great. We found donegal especially quiet.

Wild camp loads in Ireland, it’s finding the spots to do it. Strava and it’s heat map is great for finding routes (no public footpaths or bridle paths).

What kind of trails do you want, are you in the north, Dublin or over the West?

I’m based around the Wicklow mtns, potential for giving you a warm shower too.

What kind of trails do you want, are you in the north, Dublin or over the West?

Easy gravel. landing at larne then heading west towards donegal and aiming for Bantry. Whats the best website for sustrans type routes?

Im newton stewart but if your coming north I’m not on route sadly

Whats the best website for sustrans type routes?

Errr, the sustrans website has some for the north and south.

Eurovelo route one has loads of lovely stuff, although there is an overlap with the wild Atlantic way (so a lot of tourists, but good). Tbh, the coast of Ireland is ace for cycle touring, maybe Wexford/Wicklow is a bit shit compared to Galway/Sligo but I still enjoy it.

https://greenwaysireland.org/ might also be of use too.

Hi TJ, this is probably a bit late for the current ride, sorry. I’ve just been reading the last page of Part 1, and you wrote:

I tracked the first day on my phone and it used its entire battery so did not after that because I had 3 or 4 days between recharging to manage with a powerpack. I am gong to look into better ways of doing this

I’ve had similar and now track using a Garmin Fenix 3 watch. It takes very little to charge it and you can sync it to your phone at the end of each day to see the track. The Fenix series is now up to 6, and the Fenix 3 can be bought for £40 on eBay, and still perfectly usable.

And he is off

Bon voyage. Will enjoy reading your updates. New flag?

Look after that flag!

Wait, is that you just leaving today? I totally read that all wrong! Still doing another night but may be able to grab a coffee depending where you are camped tomorrow evening (depends on stupid parental stuff).

Ill be in ayrshire thirs and fri

So, mid-week county mayo?

Have a great time TJ. Some great adventures ahead!

Good luck TJ, enjoyed the first thread on your travels, looking forward to reading more about this stage of your journey.

PS, which lock did you go for in the end?

👍

Oh by the way, if you need to deep-fry your chain you know where to come 🙂

Ta Moley

Im in darkest Paisley heading for Johnston. Wish me luck! Ncn 7

Lovely industrial architecture

First encounter with a buckfast wielding bam as well

Second lunch. Following a lovely old railway

No jealousy from my covid jail cell. Love an old rail track on tour.

Have a great trip TJ!

I hope you’re having an ice cream every day

Troon tonight in a very weird and dilapidated campsite

St Middens? If it is I didn’t even realise that was still going!

What time are you leaving tomorrow? If its not too early I could be down in time for a quick coffee.

Ill not be away too early. Sent you a pm

Ill not be away too early. Sent you a pm

St Middens it is

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I can hear the banjos from here.

Tell me about it

Forecast to rain tonight and in the morning

Bon Voyage TJ- have a good one. Well jealous.

St Middens looks aptly named!

It’s actually St Meddens but, well, you’ve seen all you need to!