Day 66
Achill Island = Mind blown
We were blessed today beyond measure. The roads were smooth and quiet. The scenery just kept getting better and better. Tom and I both exclaimed at the same point that the views were reminiscent of New Zealand. The sun shone and the breeze was kind. How could the day get any better?
We joined the Greenway to Achill. A traffic free route, mainly on an old railway line designed with the cyclist in mind. Not even dogs allowed. The design of this route simply stunned Tom and I. It was perfect and took us all the way to the bridge onto Achill. Wonderful, could our day get any better?
We stopped pretty much straight away for lunch, and decided to see if we could book a campsite. We felt it would be more enjoyable to ride without the bags and as we were doing a loop it made sense. Literally as soon as we left the cafe, Tom spotted a sign for a campsite. They not only had room, we have the entire tent area to ourselves, but also the biggest campers kitchen yet. Everything we needed, even a comfy chair! Could our day get any better?
We pitched up and set off at 4pm for a 20-mile spin, bag free, to explore one half of the island. We passed site after site highlighting the history of the island, learned all about Grainne Mhaol, who lived during the late 1500s. She was clearly a powerful educated woman, even meeting Queen Elizabeth 1st. Her story was fascinating, a mix of Boudica with a bit of piracy thrown in. I loved it, could our day get any better?
Then we saw the beautiful majestic views that is Achill Island south coast.
Yes, our day could get better.
I’ll let Tom's pictures show just how breathtakingly beautiful Achill is. Films will be even more stunning but will have to wait a bit longer - more riding than editing to do.
