Some plans are years in the making. Others arrive fully formed. The idea for this ride popped into my head back in 2019, beautiful in its simplicity: Cycle around the Irish Sea. For all sorts of good reasons (and some not-so-good) it’s taken a while to make it happen.
The plan is to ride north from Blackpool around the coast of England and southern Scotland to Stranraer. Cross to the island of Ireland and travel down the coast from Belfast to Rosslare before catching a ferry to south west Wales. In Wales I’ll cycle north from Fishguard around the coast to Anglesey, then east back into England for the final leg back up to Blackpool. Starting on May Day bank holiday weekend, I’m aiming to arrive back in Blackpool on Spring bank holiday weekend at the end of May.
It’s about 1,250 miles on the map. I’m older, heavier and less fit. It’s been a long time since I did any serious cycling and I’m carrying a niggling back problem. All the signs are good for a successful trip!
I’m planning to cover about 50 miles a day on my trusty Cannondale Synapse, so taking it easier than I have on other tours. I might press on a bit, if I’m feeling okay. I’ll be taking time to mooch around places that look interesting and taking notes in preparation for inflicting another book on the world.
Wish me luck!