Day 56
Castle wildcamp
A good rest, no wind and the sun out, we set out feeling great and ready for the WAW! We are learning that Ireland likes to keep it simple, the road goes up, the road goes down, none of this flat nonsense. Fortunately, due to us getting fitter and no 20% plus hills we are able to ride everything which is great.
We stopped in the village of Ramelton to eat our lunch and do some shopping. We stopped at the local butchers, Lennonside, the owner came out to chat to us, refused payment for our shopping and also gave us a couple of bottles of non alcoholic beer! Very nice man!
As we sat having lunch we read the memorial to a local man, Dave Gallagher, born in 1873. His family had emigrated to New Zealand when he was 5. There he played for the All Blacks, captaining the team and represented New Zealand 36 times. He fought in the Boar war and when World War I broke out he returned to fight and was tragically killed in action in Belgium in October 1917. The story really made a big impression on Tom and I.
Then it was more hills, by now we were riding the Donegal cycle trail, stunning scenery. Whilst having lunch we were able to help semi-locals, Trish and Mark with directions, good old Garmin to the rescue! We had a great chat, little realising that yesterday we had ridden where they live! We dropped to the village of Glen, which has some quirky artwork. Then off again, up and down!
We decided to take a short detour to Doe Castle. Built in such a stunning spot. We chatted to a local artist, who was taking photos ready to paint the castle and he suggested we wild camp there. Tom found a great spot, the key holder locked us in and we were set for the night! Carlsberg had excelled itself, a wonderful ride, friendly people and then a camp spot that we doubt we will ever bettered.
