LEJOG day 12 - Berwick-upon-Tweed to Dunfermline

138 km  Elev gain: 1359 m  (86 miles / 4459 ft)
2 °C (real feel -1 °C)

My last day in England starts with a visit to the local bike shop. I'm getting increasingly uncomfortable on my saddle earlier into each day and I'm concerned about getting through the next 5. My 6 year old saddle has served me well on week long cycling holidays, but after 65 hours of riding my bony backside is feeling the pressure.

My friend Ian at VeloTherapy has described the type of saddle I'm likely to need. Berwick Cycles are friendly and knowledgeable, but don't stock anything that is much different to my current one. Still, I manage to convince myself that any change must be good, and drop some cash on having a Prologo saddle fitted. I put my old saddle in my pannier for insurance, along with a fresh tube of chamois cream.

Just out of Berwick, I leave NCR 1 and pick up coastal NCR 76, crossing the border into Scotland soon after.

The route continues north west, with some fast empty A roads and fine views on the way to Dunbar.

After Dunbar I turn inland via Haddington before meeting the Firth of Forth at Longniddry before re-joining NCR 1 for the final run in to Edinburgh.

Haddington

Longniddry Bents

After 60 miles I've had enough of the new saddle. Reaching Edinburgh I'm feeling physical and emotional pain so I stop at The Meadows to refit my old saddle. I recover with a haggis sausage roll, chips, and a coffee from a pop up food stall.

I manage to not take any useful photographs of the Scottish capital - a consequence of having been here before, and my mental state over the state of my rear end. I push on through the city and out to the Forth Road Bridge, taking in the view of the world heritage Forth Bridge as I cross over into Fife. 

Forth Road Bridge

Forth (rail) Bridge

My destination for the night is Dunfermline, 15 miles on from Edinburgh. I stop at my 2nd Travelodge of the trip, a no frills place among the retail parks on the edge of town.

Running total: 1395 km 13,789 m  (867 miles / 45,240 ft).  72 hrs 22 mins