Are they folding or wire-bead? Bowl of hot water, soften the tyre and retry (if wire, give up!). Personally I always start at the valve but don't know if that makes any difference.

Bit unfashionable but I'm a fan of a lightweight poncho for wet camps, even keeps you dry when taking a dump
Another useful bit of kit if you hear every little noise through the night is a pair of ear plugs.

The Monks Trod, definitely one for the middle of a dry summer or a permafrost winter!
Yes, I've already noticed the proximity of some of the GRs to Inns, hic...
Hi Dave, yes - hope to see you there. Must admit I look in on your blog or see you in print every now and again, great stuff.

Excellent, thanks for that. It's all about the journey, not just the destination.

This being my first WRT, what actually happens at the GR points? Is there like a punch or something to mark a card or is there some other nefarious device? Ta

I've signed up for my first WRT, Looking forwards to a dry weekend of sunshine and balmy evenings ;-)

I don't really notice much difference day to day or riding as I get older (56) but I have noticed a difference getting through the night. I generally need to insulate more to sleep and the other thing I notice is that I feel pressure points as I (try to) sleep, especially on the hip if I end up lyin...