Safe Return Doubtful

26 miles (43 km) – Total so far: 2,280 miles (3,669 km)

It was a passable ferry ride on a busy boat. The finish of this tour hasn’t been as interesting as I hoped. It’s always difficult to get the finish of a big tour to be a memorable part of it. I haven’t got a good track record in that department also; Calais, Malaga to mention a couple. San Francisco last year was good and quite memorable, but the flat areas of Netherlands, wet Amsterdam, and a booze cruise ferry have been more of a struggle. However, it is good to ride the bike home, which I have never done before.

The cycle path sustrans 72 is excellent between North Shields and central Newcastle, and easy to get to the station also. From there I took the train to Penrith and rode back to Shap on what now was a warm and sunny afternoon.

Distance 26.5 miles

Amongst the gear that just about survived, were these, my only shoes.
Fine to ride in, but difficult to walk in, and smelly after any rain (which was most days).

Sustrans Route 72 – actually Hadrians Wall Cycle Route. The section into Newcastle city centre is a really good one.