Cheltenham to Pitlochry day 1-2
I took the train to Cheltenham - no problem with a carry-on bike but if you bring a standard one - not easy. You can only book a bike ticket if you have your own ticket. And once you’ve booked your own you may realise that there are no bike spaces left (only 3-4 per train!!!). No wonder we are leaving Europe -  they will probably help us pack.
Sunday morning Robin and I headed off towards Ledbury, Leominster and Ludlow - after a flat start (and yes I did get a pinch puncture on a cattle grid we hit the hills - or they hit us!! It was as challenging as Devon and Cornwall. A bit of advice - do not donate blood the day before you go on a long ride! It may save you some weight but it removes a couple of cylinders from your engine!!!
Anyway on a diet of cake and biscuits and sandwiches (no beer - the second mistake!!). we made it to Bishop’s Castle somewhere on the top of a very steep hill!!! Had a lovely room, great food (3 courses were wolfed down accompanied by a couple of 🍺. Followed by a tendition of Silent Night!!
Today we continued through hilly Shropshire but it all became more civilised in Chesshire - gentle inclines - very few declines to my recollection - still sunshine but as always when I’m in these parts a headwind!! Great pub lunch on route after coffees in lovely Shrewsbury. And after some rather congested peri- Mancurisn roads (probsly all hoing to the Man City parade) we made it yto our abode for the night. In total 250 km done with 2300 metres up - and down!!
But in all - spectacular scenery, lovrly matket towns - espec Ludlow was beautiful. If you haven’t been here - come - England at its best!!! But they do have pot holes here as well