A week in Scotland in mid-September 2. The Kelpies and The Falkirk Wheel

Tuesday 15 September 2020

We walked along the canal from the Kelpies to the Wheel and back again. This would also be a good route for cycling. It made an interesting walk with some urban history too. About 8 miles.

Kelpies from the car park

Autumn arrives

A reminder of the distillery

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Some of Falkirk's claims to famous people

Mr IRN-BRU himself

The Union Inn

and back to the Kelpies.

A week in Scotland in mid-September 1. The Falls of Clyde

 Self-catering in Carnshaw, South Lanarkshire.

Sunday 13 September

Falls of Clyde and the Clyde Walkway - New Lanark, Robert Owen's model village. we walked around 6 miles from the car park at New Lanark, 

up the right bank of the Clyde, past Corra Linn Waterfall,

  

as far as the bridge - (not the Bonnington Iron Bridge)

 and then back down the left bank, 

behind some agreeable looking houses , and over a wooden footbridge.

we spotted some funghi

We arrived at Kirkfield, crossed the bridge and returned to New Lanark. 

A dramatic section of the Clyde. Well worth the wander! Around 7 miles in all.

Family meet up and bike ride - Phoenix Trail

September 1st 2020.

This is part of Sustrans NCN route 57. We cycled about 17 miles.

We set off from home just before  9 am to drive down to Longwick, near Princes Risborough to meet Esther, Joseph and Hazel for a ride along the Phoenix Trail, a disused railway, part of Sustrans NCN 57. It runs from Prionces Risborough to Thame.

The car park was not easy to find - but well used, mainly by locals who walk, run, walk dogs and cycle along the route. We originally went to Princes Risborough, a pleasant town, but quite busy. The children are pretty good on the roads with a little guidance from Esther. 

From there we rode back to the cars for lunch, then rode to Thame - at the end of the route is a playground, and sports area. No open toilets alas, but Esther and Joseph found one in the town. 

Unfortunately by the time they returned the ice-cream van had moved off, so it was a question of a while on the playground, then an easy return ride, slightly downhill and back to the car park.

Beautiful weather - better than we were expecting. we had coffee and a chunk of Date and walnut cake back at the cars, before returning home. The meeting point was about one and three quarter hours away from each of us.

We had sour dough bread from them, and gave them a ginger cake in return.

Once back home we ate beans and egg on toast, and finished the stewed pears with ginger.

Wales - cycling - 23 miles

Friday 23rd July 2020.

From the cottage to via back roads to Botwnnog and round to Abersoch. Lovely flower display, and an attractive, if fairly busy small seaside resort. 

Not a flat route again.

More views of Abersoch.

 

Pen y Cil from Aberdaron - a 13 mile walk in the rain

 July 22nd 2020

We decided to walk round the end of the peninsula along the coastal path, starting from Aberdaron. Unfortunately I lost the signal. This was rugged as well as wet, and the views, which must have been wonderful, were hidden by cloud and mist.

Wales - Lleyn Peninsula - 1. By bike 28 miles

 20 July 2020.

1100 feet of climbing, and some of it steep, especially near Rhiw.  

The night was clear, the skies were dark, and the Milky Way was glorious.