Bardon Mill duo cycle 5,000 miles around Britain's coastline

The duo, from Bardon Mill, embarked on the journey in stages due to their age, averaging 70 by the end of the trip.

They tried to persuade their wives, Caroline and Julie, to follow them with a campervan but that request was denied.

A variety of terrains were faced, from steep hills in Devon and Cornwall to the notorious Applecross Pass in north-west Scotland.

The pass climbs from sea level to 2,000 feet in six miles.

Further north-west, they took a ferry to tackle Britain’s reportedly worst road, an 11-mile stretch of ruined tarmac and boulders leading to the lighthouse at Cape Wrath.

Mr Bluck and Mr Gibbon began and ended each leg of their journey at Bardon Mill station, using trains to reach various starting points across the country including Fort William, Thurso, Sunderland, Southampton, Cardiff, and Lancaster.

The ride was completed in six separate fortnights.

The cyclists encountered challenges with booking their bikes on long-distance train journeys, as well as daily struggles with weather and navigation.

Despite these difficulties, they remained in high spirits, even finding humour in situations such as when their bikes—and Mr Bluck—were covered in mud.

On their travels, the pair stayed at a variety of accommodations, ranging from what they described as wonderful guest houses to what they called Scotland’s worst hotel.

Mr Bluck has now published a day-by-day account of their 5,000-mile adventure.

Robert Bluck has published a book titled 'Cycling Past Pluto' (Image: Supplied) His book, 'Cycling Past Pluto', is said to include helpful tips on the ideal touring bike, essentials for a cycling tour, weight loss advice, and what he calls the rules of coastal cycling.

Copies of the book are available from Cogito Bookshop in Hexham.

Mr Bluck and Mr Gibbon’s feat is a testament to their determination and love for cycling, with their adventure now immortalised in print for others to enjoy and learn from.