Every so often the North Sea Cycle Route chucks in a surprise detour. So today, just when things seemed to be flattening out a bit, it presented us with the old post road, all steepness and gravel. Very scenic, but a lot of pushing for a few miles!

Along the way, I've broken a spoke in the back wheel (obviously not lost enough weight yet!). After that, we were back by the coast and the peaceful inlets of some small fjords.

Campsite's not that great though - no hot water in the shower! 56 (375), 229m

After a chilly night on the bank of a lake, we were relieved to see the sun again this morning. We've been spoiled with good weather so far - long may it last!

A typical day sees us getting underway not very early, after a cup of tea and whatever we've found for breakfast. After a sweaty day in the saddle and a supermarket stop for supplies, we arrive at a campsite at 7 or 8 and hope there's a space. By the time we've pitched the tent, showered and cooked, it's time for bed and the blog again. Not that it gets particularly dark here, just a strange half-light for most of the night.

Today was more stunning scenery and lots of hills, including some steep, gravel tracks that were too difficult to pedal with all the weight we're carrying. The fjord to Kinvesal was a highlight, also Farsund (very posh!) and the sight of Becky herding escaped cows from the road into their field. A llama also got involved somehow and Bex still made it to the top of the hill before I did! 54 (319), 239m

Bex is up today:

53 (265), 275m

After a rather chilly night in our tent, it was a sunny, clear day for the next stage of our journey. The coast is a smattering of beautiful islands and the scenery reminded us at times of the Lakes, Tuscany, Scotland and the Austrian Alps!

It was very hilly - never high, but roads like a big dipper! So we didn't manage many miles after a late start. Now we're on Haugesund where an Iron Man triathlon competition takes place tomorrow. Perhaps Becky should have a go?! 59 miles (89), 74m.

The North Sea Cycle Route has become a lot more adventurous on this stretch, with many off-road sections, including one breathtaking leg through crags and lakes. Breathtaking for the number of times we had to get off and push up steep sections! We also found some beaches - white sand and a few waves ... very inviting but probably a bit chilly! 68 (212), 94m

Another short(ish), lumpy day with a high bridge out of Haugesund that gave even me vertigo!

Each day so far has included a ferry crossing. Today's was the longest at an hour and a half, and on a Sunday they're very infrequent, leaving us a couple of hours to kill in Skudeneshavn. They'd had a festival on with old boats in the harbour, so we sat in the sun watching it all wind up.

Thanks to the late crossing, we didn't arrive at Stavanger campsite until after nine, and with no shops open on Sundays, headed to town to find somewhere to eat. No luck of course, as we were too late, and so Bex was denied drink for another day! 54.7 (144), 36m

Full of important stuff, but mostly handy for holding cake. Today, Bex is stealing away with a doughnut.