Miles 77.5; Average speed 13.8; Top speed 39mph (best so far); Time 5 hours 55 minutes; Total miles 475

DAY SIX (Monday): We all woke to glorious sunrise over Carlisle Castle. Weather was set fair and the boys were looking forward to a better ride than the previous day.
The gates of the castle opened as the cyclists rode over the cobbles through the narrow entrance under the portcullis and into the main road. It was a unique experience.
We had heard various noises the night before which was a little unnerving as we were the only people in the castle. Mary Queen of Scots had been imprisoned there. Rumours suggests the castle is haunted.
The cyclists headed off on the A6 towards Penrith but the girls were on a mission. After playing Cluedo on the first night in John O’ Groats, Paul wanted a rematch following a little discussion about the rules.
We approached Kendal and stopped briefly before the boys reached their top speed so far, 39mph. Bends at the bottom prevented them from topping their target of 40mph.
We lunched on the River Kent and after buying mint cake headed for our destination for the night at a barn hostel at Ribblesdale just outside Settle. We all met at the barn where we found mouse droppings on the draining board, urgh! Adrian popped back to Settle to buy a bottle of wine.
Hopes are high tomorrow’s accommodation at the field hospital in Stockport.
Fires lit and an evening spent playing Cluedo and Uno!