matt2matt2002 wrote:Local lockdowns now an issue? Alternative routes for plan B & C?
My plan A is pretty flexible. Looks like it’ll have to be a non-stop leg through the northern conurbations. But we are six weeks ahead so who knows what will be going on.
[These are the steps that Ron has mentioned (a few posts earlier). They are dreadful. They involve taking all your luggage off your bike and carrying it and your bike down this set of steps. You then reload your bike to push along the walkway before having to repeat the process at the other end - as there is another set of steps. As mentioned it would be easier to stay on the A836 from Bonar Bridge.]
I'll defend Sustrans in routing NCN 1 over the Kyle of Sutherland by providing a footbridge at Invershin in that there can be very fast moving traffic on the alternative along the A836 through Bonar Bridge. Sure it involves navigating 50 steps which may mean unclipping the panniers but to me 't' ain't much of an issue.
matt2matt2002 wrote:Local lockdowns now an issue? Alternative routes for plan B & C?
My plan A is pretty flexible. Looks like it’ll have to be a non-stop leg through the northern conurbations. But we are six weeks ahead so who knows what will be going on.
I think what Matt2 is hinting at is to do with B&Bs etc suddenly having to close. Actually being on the road is a lot less chance of being infected. Currently parts of East Lanc's has gone into local lockdown and this could happen anywhere. Could be worth checking the next nights destination the night before.
Enigmadick wrote:I'll defend Sustrans in routing NCN 1 over the Kyle of Sutherland by providing a footbridge at Invershin in that there can be very fast moving traffic on the alternative along the A836 through Bonar Bridge. Sure it involves navigating 50 steps which may mean unclipping the panniers but to me 't' ain't much of an issue.
In my area we have a number of pedestrian/cycle overbridges all of which are easily ridable. There are several over the "new" A5 at Tamworth which were built as part of the construction of the dual carriageway. There's one over the A38 south of Lichfield which was built as a result of campaigning by the CTC. No Sustrans involvement in any of it which probably explains why they're actually fit for purpose.
matt2matt2002 wrote:Local lockdowns now an issue? Alternative routes for plan B & C?
My plan A is pretty flexible. Looks like it’ll have to be a non-stop leg through the northern conurbations. But we are six weeks ahead so who knows what will be going on.
I think what Matt2 is hinting at is to do with B&Bs etc suddenly having to close. Actually being on the road is a lot less chance of being infected. Currently parts of East Lanc's has gone into local lockdown and this could happen anywhere. Could be worth checking the next nights destination the night before.
I think the trick is going to be to stick to more rural areas as restrictions seem to be mainly in conurbations.
Brianjeff50 wrote:My plan A is pretty flexible. Looks like it’ll have to be a non-stop leg through the northern conurbations. But we are six weeks ahead so who knows what will be going on.
I think what Matt2 is hinting at is to do with B&Bs etc suddenly having to close. Actually being on the road is a lot less chance of being infected. Currently parts of East Lanc's has gone into local lockdown and this could happen anywhere. Could be worth checking the next nights destination the night before.
I think the trick is going to be to stick to more rural areas as restrictions seem to be mainly in conurbations.
Yes, I'm aiming for a rural route and will be thinking ahead about accomm and also checking on what's booked - they don't have to be put in lockdown to choose to shut. My default schedule is the Wimps' one but I'm aiming to stay flexible on route and accomm. The Greater Manchester area is clearly the toughest part to get through but from what I've seen, there are routes that currently should be okay - but by mid September who knows?
Brianjeff50 wrote:Yes, I'm aiming for a rural route and will be thinking ahead about accomm and also checking on what's booked - they don't have to be put in lockdown to choose to shut.
Sounds wise. How about booking one night ahead and enquiring two nights ahead?
Brianjeff50 wrote:Yes, I'm aiming for a rural route and will be thinking ahead about accomm and also checking on what's booked - they don't have to be put in lockdown to choose to shut.
Sounds wise. How about booking one night ahead and enquiring two nights ahead?
Do you have a favourite source/ website/ app?
Jonathan
So far just Airbnb with looks at booking.com and premier inn and Travelodge apps on phone. On Airbnb I only opt for room with private bathroom.
I mentioned above about local lock-downs in the Lancashire towns. This only involves meeting within groups of people and may effect an overnight stop in B&Bs etc. While out on road I wouldn't expect any problems except if going into shops or cafes. Puffins route around the Warrington/Wigan area looks interesting as the Wimps route uses the A49 in that area. Perhaps a combination of the routes may give a more pleasant ride. Puffin's route looks to use some canal towpaths and perhaps Puffin can comment on surfaces. I'm personally not a fan of towpaths but generally they don't consist of many hills but can add a few miles and are slower. PS. As MickF noted sometime, the towns are a source of supplies so can come in handy. When the Wimps did their ride it was a scorcher and not enough ice-cream shops were available out in the sticks.
