TELEVISION presenter Timmy Mallett cycled his way across the Rhins of Galloway this week.
The former ITV host was joined by the owner of Kirkcudbright’s Selkirk Arms Hotel Chris Walker, his sister Carolyn and some family friends as they set about exploring the peninsula on their bikes.
This was Timmy’s second attempt to cycle the Wigtownshire coastline after he experienced some bike trouble during his last visit.
The group met up and set off from Stoneykirk on Monday, stopping in a variety of sites including Corsewall Lighthouse, Stair Park in Stranraer, The Crown in Portpatrick, as well as Logan Botanical Garden.
Describing the journey, Timmy said: “My aim this coming week is to cycle and explore this fascinating coastline
“We met at Stoneykirk on the land bridge that connects the rest of Wigtownshire to the special peninsula known as the Rhins of Galloway.
“There are five of us to help me fill in a gap in my circumnavigation of Britain.
“The lanes were muddy with farm traffic and we rode past the old airfield that is among the many military sites here.”
On Monday, Remembrance Day, the group stopped at 11 am close to Castle Kennedy to have a two minute silence.
Timmy described the next leg, saying: “A lovely ride into Stranraer past the old branch bridge to Cairnryan that was built in 1940 for war time traffic. Stair park is the home of Stranraer FC – the blues – and we enjoyed a visit to the hallowed turf.”
Although there were some bumps in the road, the presenter was determined to complete his ride of the Rhins and said: “I had a puncture and my friends ate their lunch as I struggled to put a new tube in.
“The day was rushing away as we headed southwards making a visit to Marian Hill and the late afternoon sunlight bathed the fields in golden light.
“These roads are amazing, and empty. In 25 miles we met three cars and two tractors in total.
“Our laughter and chatter was the only sound along gorgeous roads through the rhododendron hedges down to Portpatrick. The sun was sinking into the north channel as we paused above the tiny town of Portpatrick to take in the breathtaking view of the moon rising over the seaside gem.”
