Our next three days were all about 25km. Strathblane, then Kilsyth, followed by Falkirk saw us moving across Scotland. There wasn’t anything exciting to report: hardly a hill to moan about or any rain at all.
We had paid for a posh trip, with accommodation all paid and planned because of the prediction of bad weather. But it didn’t come! So we arrived at our hotels, feeling a little bit fraudulent. We stopped at a shop to buy our dinners as the budget did not include dinners out.
We walked along canals which are always flat and long and straight; read a bit boring. There weren’t many boats, but we did watch one called Madeline go through a few locks. We kept coming across them over 2 days, so reckon we walked about the same pace as a canal boat.
On that boat was a couple, and their sister in law and 4 dogs. Looking at the women, we noted that they would be better off walking rather than sitting on the canal boat. I think the dogs would rather be running alongside as well.
I keep feeling that I can’t be pleased. I started out unfit and carrying 10kg of extra fat and not ysed to having another 10kg of pack on my back. so small hills were hard going for me.
Each day we arrived by late afternoon. Yhe supermarkets mark down their sandwiches and salads and other fresh foods at this time. So we pick up bargains to eat in our rooms. Everything is very expensive here and neither Kay nor I feel the need to go out to restaurants for dinner, especially after the full breakfasts.
The walk is not a challenge, so our challenge is to do it as cheaply as possible. I think we are doing well in that department.
I noticed that the houses were more likely to be painted white here compared to the Englush and Welsh, which were basic stone.
This wheel was interesting because it allows the canal boarts to basically get up a big hill. We sat I the sun and watched the machine move the canal boats up to the next level.
Day 4 even saw me wearing my sunbathing and sunglasses all day. I had carried them for over 500km so wasn’t going to waste an opportunity to use them.
Our trip includes full Scottish Breakfasts which is probably enough food for a whole day. We squirell away some pastries and fruit to have for our lunch along the way. I have enjoyed vegetarian sausages, haggis and black pudding along with yoghurt (very sweet), cereals, fruit and toast with spreads.
I could get used to this. It is way better than the porridge that we soak (not cook) sitting beside our tents. However, I do think the latter is more the real Karen.
