Pickering Arms, Thelwall, Warrington

Pack your kilt Muddy Marge. No not the one that's like a pelmet, something more respectable please. We don't want to be shocking the Scots.

The past nine months have been so busy for us. Three rental houses to make good, and a house move from Poole to Oxfordshire. We are whacked, both physically & mentally, but the thought of this Scottish road trip has powered us through. 

A later start than expected, we decided to head to Thelwall, just off the M6 to The Pickering Arms, a charming pub where we overnighted enroute to Scotland in Marge II three years ago. As always when heading north, a stop at Stafford services to break the journey where we were surprised to see a RAF helicopter in mid transportation. Since our last visit to The Pickering Arms, ownership has changed.

We enjoyed a delicious meal whilst being entertained by two women dining opposite. 'Those, black bins. What are they all about?' Then straight into a conversation about truffles. Angela loves these characters.

A few more characters in the form of comic tiles from the 1970's in the gents loo!

Tomorrow we will cross into Scotland. And we can't wait!

Thelwall, nr: Warrington.

Marge is groaning. We said, groaning Marge, not moaning. She is under strain from the bikes on the bike rack, extra clothing and food supplies. We are heading to Scotland's west coast where food supplies are limited, and then later in our trip across to the east coast for a three day pack rafting course. This is to be an activity holiday. Cycling, walking and kayaking.

Angela, inhaler in hand, on the mend after a two week chest infection, will tomorrow plan our month long journey around this beautiful area taking in some of the western isles that we've not visited before. Will it all run smoothly? Well, we'll see. As Angela's late brother used to say. 'Life is for living, rules are for breaking'. So we're going to live life and no doubt Marge will break the rules!

Tonight a pub stop, just a few miles from the M6 motorway. The Pickering Arms is an 18th century black and white pub in the village of Thelwall, unknown to many who drive by as they head north or south on the nearby motorway. For the price of two drinks, plus a meal if you wish, you can stay in a quiet spot, safe and secure in the pub car park. What's not to like? 

Tomorrow, we'll cross the border into Scotland. It's been eighteen months since we were last there and we are looking forward to seeing the area during springtime. We are armed with midge nets for our heads and midge cream. Sorted We hope. Let the fun begin.