Last day

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We had a nice relaxed start to the day, although we needed to get the support team on the road early enough to allow them to get all the way south by a reasonable time. We also had to repack our bags completely to make sure they were balanced for carrying on the bikes. Although the day was to be short, we would be carrying full loads for the first time since arriving at Inverness. John and Tim were off just after 10 am; we all really enjoyed and appreciated their support, which is not an easy role.
We finished of the repack and set off just after 11 am. The day was already glorious and we could see the new Forth bridge and freshly launched Prince of Wales. The route was a mix of on- and off-road routes; in a section at the back of Rosyth we came across a hill probably steeper than any others we had encountered, and this time we had full baggage. We all crawled to the top. The run into the Forth road bridge was slightly spoiled by various cars parked in the middle of otherwise excellent cycle routes, but we found ourselves on the old road bridge in fairly short time with great views of the new road and old rail bridges. The old road bridge is only used by public transport, taxi and emergency services, which is slightly strange. It’s a long way up too! We also encountered quite a lot of pedestrians too.
Then we followed NCR1 all the way to the centre of Edinburgh, through quiet suburbs, interesting new-build estates, past houses with interesting / strange modern architecture, interspersed with leafy countryside, with the old bridge over the River Almond an interesting contrast. 
Much of the last stretch was on an old railway line where we had to watch out for the high speed cycle commuters, but which brings you all the way into Haymarket before having to hit the busy city centre roads. We had a lunch in Princes Street gardens under the castle rock, then headed to our delightful and quirky Harry Potter themed Airbnb flat. Highly recommended to anyone who has enjoyed the books or films!
We then walked out for a quick tour of Edinburgh, deciding to go up the Salisbury crags to make up for the short day! Superb views.

So another of our mini adventures is over. Tomorrow the remaining team will split up and head home. Thanks to them all.
Please do sponsor us - mental health is important to us all and Mind do an excellent job of raising awareness and helping those in need.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/LWDTour
Location: Ross Fountain, Princes St, Edinburgh EH1 2EU, UK

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