June 20th - Land End to Truro

The first of our Full English Breakfasts and what a great start to the day plus our hosts gave us a donation for our charity! The day was overcast with occasional sun. We cycled through glorious countryside following a route suggested by the CTC ( cyclists touring club ) which involves cycling on mainly B and C roads which makes the journey 200 miles longer and is more hilly but much safer and more enjoyable. We had been warned that the first few days through Cornwall and Devon were the most difficult of the entire trip because of the steep hills so we had decided to cycle shorter distances for this part of the journey. We were therefore not surprised by the steep hills and managed them easily enough. Cycled past St Michaels Mount - a beautiful scene with the sun low over the beach and a solitary figure of a man digging up lug worms. We stopped off at a pub called the Royal Oak and immediately were given a donation for our charity. Already we have found people so friendly and interested in our trip. Cornwall very rural and unspoilt. Got lost over last few miles and had to cycle on an A road. Ghastly and must avoid if we possibly can. Made it to Truro by 2.30 pm and 40 miles on the clock. We stayed the night at the Donnington Guest House where we met 2 lads doing the End to End on their mountain bikes carrying their luggage in rucksacs which seemed like hard work and very uncomfortable. Rested up for a couple of hours then had a wander round Truro - a pretty town and enjoyed the rather modern cathedral. As we looked at the Truro Town Map a man came up to us to help us and told us his sister-in-law had walked the End to End twice! Now dead through too much drink! We had a fascinating walk along the river marred by an enormous Tesco situated along the river bank. How planners had allowed this to happen is incredible. Had a Chinese and staggered back to the BandB.