Ecclefechan to Penrith

The Ecclefechan Hotel was remarkably busy a d all the rooms were booked. I had my last full Scottish breakfast of the trip as far as I could see the main difference to an English breakfast was the addition of haggis, black pudding on top of the expected sausage (links) and bacon and of course potatoe scones. The ride todaywas relatively easy and much less in the way of hills than I expected but much of it was on the A6 which was tha kful relatively quiet being Sunday. I did a quick photo stop in Gretna and asked a guy with three expensive looking cameras to take a photo.As got out one of his cameras I advised that I just needed a quick shot with my micky mouse phone and I was doing it for charity, he would have to wait until later for the punters as it was only 10.30 He said on busy days they had up to 14 weddings. From Hretna I crossed the border back into blighty no customs post as yet but wee Nicola is planning that for 2023! Carlisle was quite busy and I decided I needed a lunch stop once I got through the city but fthe next two pubs were closed and up for sale, so much for levelling up. Back on the A6 I found a truck stop which was the haunt of the local geriatrics having a Sunday roast, so I fitted in quite well but my coffee and a toastie cost more than the Sunday roast. I then tried a detour which allowed a few lads and meant 7 miles less of the A6. The sun had come out and it was the first time I could take of my kagool. I got to Penrith and rhe Station Hotel where the regulars outside smoking advised just walk in with your bike every one else does, and fair enough the land lod insisted on carrying my bike once unloaded to a private function bar.