12 October 2025 (foggy and cold 9C) 74km

After waking throughout the night, we both woke at 7.30am, jumped in the shower and were eating breakfast by 8.30am

Ian was the first to appear, followed by Rachel who was preparing to leave for an open water swim in Cholmondley in preparation for a triathlon. Rather her than us as it was freezing today!

Packed up and after photos we once again set off on another episode in this final leg of our trip. The weather was overcast, foggy and cold. Left town heading toward Abbey Green Farm campsite, one that we'd stayed at in 2014 and about 50km away.

Began our journey on the canal and it was so quiet and peaceful, although the surface of the canal path was pretty bumpy, so slow going.

We came off the canal at Waverton (where the church bells were being rung), then cycled through Tattenhall (where Ian and Rachel had previously lived), Burwardsley, uphill to Harthill, Marbury, Wirswall and Whitchurch. 

Although very cold, the riding was stunning and very enjoyable. Beautiful, English country lanes. Unspoilt by traffic, lined with stone walls and hedgerows and decorated by lovely cottages and refurbished country homes and buildings from far off eras.

Although we didn't have distant views of the countryside due to the fog which would linger all day, close shots were possible. We were hoping for some sun come afternoon, but it wasn't going to happen. 

Not far from Whitchurch, as the fog was creeping even further in, we sat at a bench on a bend on a small lane, eating some lunch. We had just finished a climb and thought maybe the fog would burn off as we ate and we'd get a view over the countryside.

Wrapped up well to protect us from the cold, we ate and the fog intensified so we didn't hang around as it was freezing.

Into the town of Whitchurch, we found a Costa coffee and each enjoyed a latte while we thawed out.

At the same time we began searching for alternative accommodation as the temperature tonight is dropping to 7 degrees. Julia has had a croaky voice all day and I don't want her sleeping out on wet ground in a tent in just a sleeping bag. 

Managed to find The Travelodge in Shrewsbury with a room for £45 but was still 36km away and it was now 3pm. We were heading past the campsite anyway, so we decided to call in to see what they had. 

Found the male owner as we approached on the driveway, trimming the hedges. Asked if we could have a look and he gave us a tour. It was as we remembered, but since 2014, when we were last there, they have renovated other buildings to a very high standard.

The grass however was long and wet from the fog and mist and I wasn't keen on Julia sleeping outside tonight. Plus there was nowhere we could sit inside so if we pitched there, although it was a beautiful site, we would be stuck in the tent for the rest of the day and all night. 

He tried to sell us on a glamping package, but it was far too expensive and not much of an improvement on being in our tent.

Met the female owner and Julia remembered that she upholstered furniture years ago. The lady was totally shocked that Ju had such a good memory. In the end, we decided to cover another 22 kms to Shrewsbury for a room for the night. 

Time was against us by now. The fog had forced cars all day to drive with their lights on and unfortunately our front and rear lights had given up the ghost during the course of the day.

We also had to contend with a short 4km ride on main roads, but luckily we had a cycle path for that section. Since we arrived in England, we have found the drivers to be safe and extremely courteous and have never once felt in danger.

The daylight was fading fast as we sped alongside the main road. Found the Travelodge and acquired a room on the ground floor, perfect for the bikes. We were allowed to wheel them into our room.

Hopped across to the Spar store and picked up some stuff for dinner and breakfast. Settled in for the night with the tele on and by 10.30pm it was time to bring to an end a cold, but otherwise brilliant day’s riding, on perfect cycling roads we thought may have disappeared from England's green and pleasant land.