Dumfries and the south west coast

Summer heatwave, no holiday plans, late booking at a cottage few miles west of my home town Dumfries.  A week of cycling and walking.

Southerness

 

Southwick Church – a rest in the shade

back road to Beeswing

Dumfries and Galloway Council doing a major re-surface of what seemed like all back roads west of Dumfries.  To be fair, roads quiet and motorists not too bad.

Highlight cycling wise was a memorable circuit of the Galloway Forest Park

The Big Country Ride (Strava)

Started from Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre (forgettable) on a misty morning.  Only snag was a puncture – first on the Trek Mountain Bike – coming away from Glentrool on route to Newton Stewart.  Road had just been relaid with sharp shards of stone, (alliteration not intended!).

amateur stuff – had an inner tube for a touring bike, blew in an instant

So started to push the bicycle the 8 miles or so towards Newton Stewart.  Busy road.  Kind gentleman with two dogs going in opposite direction stopped to take me to Newton Stewart and a cycle shop.  From Yorkshire originally, let’s just say he had no time for ‘English settlers’ in Scotland.  I was in no position to be judging his views – not many people would have gone out their road to that extent – saved me a long and uncomfortable journey.  Lunch and re-charge in Newton Stewart at the Beltie Cafe / Visitor Centre and onwards up over Queen’s View.

Old Edinburgh Road in the heat of the day was a slog

this was no pushover up and over the forest roads

Our cottage was basic but had everything you needed.  Nice people too which always makes a difference.

friendly pussy at Cargen Cottage

Other highlights of the week in Dumfries and Galloway – a first game of golf for many a year at New Galloway GC.  Mixed shall we say.  Fantastic views from a parched course.

And getting an electric shock trying to get out of a field with this unsettled cow getting very unsettled …..

Also tried a spot of coarse fishing at a spot from my youth, where I also recall catching nothing ….!

rain at Lochrutton Loch, Lochfoot, near Dumfries

and some nice forest walks, this one near Kircudbright after accidentally bumping into Princess Anne opening a new gallery and arts venue.

Week ended with an 84 mile cycle home from Dumfries to Edinburgh via the Dalveen Pass route.  Had a steady tail wind making it easier

Dumfries (Lochfoot) to Edinburgh (Strava) 

Dalveen Pass

Stopped at favourite cafe in Carnwath on return – Apple Pie Bakery for a coffee, pancake or two … and a read at ‘The Sun’.  Brexit brought to life in wonderful simplicity!

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