This week I cycled from Newcastle to Edinburgh along the NCN Coast and Castles route over four days. Strava records are here: day one; day two; day three; day four. It’s a stunning route, about 210 miles in total, over a variety of terrain including some tracks that are completely unsuitable for road bikes (where I got off and walked.) I stayed in Amble, Lindisfarne and Dryburgh on the way and spent the final night at my friend Anne’s near Edinburgh before doing Holyrood parkrun and getting the train home. It’s been a wonderful adventure, and I’ve cherished the challenge and headspace of doing it on my own. It’s the kind of experience you want to hold onto as long as possible, so I’ve written this prayer for when the everyday comes crashing back in.
Guardian of the open roads and surprising paths
When the day ahead of me is one of inside duty
Let me call to mind, sense with spirit, feel in body
This thin place of adventure on my bike.
The limitless skies, endless seas, vibrant fields and windswept beaches that held my gaze
The signs that showed me where to go and the intuition that made me check the route
The steady rhythm of legs driving pedals, mind and muscles working together, body stretched, spirit determined
The freedom of thought flowing from deep to mundane and back again, rejecting anxiety, fully present
The serendipity that kept watch with me: the stop for lunch before thunder, the message that met my fear of hills
The birdsong accompanying the whole journey
The calm beauty of the sun setting beside seals and oystercatchers
The scary paths with stunning views
The people who stopped to talk, gave me food, welcomed me
The moments that took my breath away,
and those that needed courage and perseverance.
Full heart, weary body, restored soul.
Run for your life 