UK/Éire Trip Day 7 - London to Portsmouth

km ridden today: 154

km ridden total: 474

Photos today: 697

Photos total: 1317

Castles/Palaces total: 1

Pubs visited: 1 

Churches/Cathedrals total: 2

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                                       Click on the arrows below to show photos on the map

I was awake at 0500 so decided there was no use hanging around. I was on the road by just after 0600.

Ace Cafe sticker added.

   

Dark sky

  Yay blue sky

Went for a ride through Windsor which as some lovely old buildings.

 

A quick stop at Watts Cemetery Chapel. I had a walk around and was about to leave when a gentleman said he was about to open it up if I wanted to have a look. Definitely worth the little side trip to have a look.

It was an eventful ride (the best type) to Portsmouth with perfect riding temps. 

I arrived here to early to check into the hotel but they held my gear for me so I got changed and went for a stroll.

First visit was to HMS Warrior 1860 

"Britain’s first iron-hulled, armoured battleship. Launched in 1860, at a time of empire and Britain’s dominance in trade and industry, Warrior was the pride of Queen Victoria’s fleet."

 Next stop was HMS Victory 

"Nelson’s flagship. Best known for her role in the Battle of Trafalgar, Victory currently has a dual role as the Flagship of the First Sea Lord and as a living museum to the Georgian Navy. She transferred to The National Museum of the Royal Navy in 2012."

The spot where Nelson was shot.

Then onto the Mary Rose 

"The Mary Rose is a carrack-type warship of the English Tudor navy of King Henry VIII. She served for 33 years in several wars against France, Scotland, and Brittany, then was substantially rebuilt in 1536. She saw her last action on 19 July 1545. She led the attack on the galleys of a French invasion fleet, but she sank in the Solent, the straits north of the Isle of Wight."

Last ship to explore for the day was the HMS M.33 

"HMS M.33 is a unique survivor.  Launched in May 1915 she is the sole remaining British veteran of that year’s bloody Gallipoli Campaign and the only British warship from the First World War that is open to the public during the centenary year."

Other stuff whilst walking around the dockyards.

The HMS Queen Elizabeth (is the largest and most powerful vessel ever constructed for the Royal Navy. This awe-inspiring warship is capable of carrying up to 40 aircraft) came into Portsmouth a few days earlier with reports that she had sprung a leak.

After looking at ships all day and being by the seaside a seafood snack was in order.

Holy mackerel I'm exhausted. I was up at 0500 on the road by just after 0600 arrived in Portsmouth around 0900.

Got changed and head out exploring at about 1000 didn't get back to the hotel to check in till about 1715.

I was going going to try and limit walking because of my blistered foot but still ended up walking over 7km.

And I some how managed to lose my water bottle.

Still haven't decided if tomorrow I will go to the Isle of Wight or spend a bit more if a relaxing day around Portsmouth.

Click here if you would like to see all the photos from today.