I left the campsite just before 8am and had breakfast in Lothianbridge. I then walked as far as Newtongrange which has a war memorial in a very nice park where I sat on a park bench and aired my feet. Shortly after leaving the area I was approached by a gentleman with an envelope bearing my name. He said that he knew who I was from the website and the envelope enclosed a very generous 20 pounds for the charity to be given in the name of ‘a proud Scotsman’. He is also a walker and has been to all the extremities of the British Isles.
I met up with him again at a pie cart on the A7 and he said that he would meet up with me again further on. We met about 2 miles out of Stow and then he said that he would drive into Stow and then walk back to meet me and we would then walk together into Stow, which we did. He then walked back to Stow to pick up his car and I carried on towards Melrose. I had just got the Hareshawhead wood plantations when he found me again and we drove to the camp site at Lauder. The first bit of the route from Gore Bridge was near the A7 but the latter half was on a quiet rural road parallel to the A7. Pastoral - quite a few encouraging baas from sheep.
Tomorrow he is picking me up from the camp site and dropping me off at the Hareshawhead plantations so I can start walking again.
On commenting on all that he was doing for me he said that this was his way of thanking all the people who had helped him on his walks. As I am a ‘people’ person
This has been a great day.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Day 23 Edinburgh to Newtongrange
Last night coming back on the bus from my day in Edinburgh I saw, I thought I saw a building in the Firth of Forth that wasn’t there in the morning. It was one of those enormous cruise ships, moored near the Forth Rail Bridge! I also did my washing. Put 3 pounds in the machine – nothing happened, tried again with another 3 pounds – nothing happened Had to bite the bullet and disturb the staff. This is a common fault. You have to slam the lid to get it going!
It rained during the night but was in the morning. I left about 8.15 in bright sunshine so I had no excuse when I managed to set off in the wrong direction! I realised my mistake after one kilometre. It didn’t matter however, as I finished up on cycle route 1km into Edinburgh which took me southwest on a very quiet disused railway track. I turned off towards Haymarket Railway station then crossed another park area where I sat on a park bench to air my feet. It was a good route if you want to bypass Edinburgh but doesn’t give you an idea of the character of the city.
As I went south the area gradually became more rural. I took what I thought was a short cut on another old railway track approaching the campsite at Lothianbridge, across farmland. It was a bit boggy and meandered somewhat. I think it would have better to have taken the main road via Tescos.
Lothianbridge campsite is situated under the old viaduct. I camped under one of the arches in case it rained (it didn’t) and in the morning noticed a sign saying ‘Danger. Falling Masonary’.
It rained during the night but was in the morning. I left about 8.15 in bright sunshine so I had no excuse when I managed to set off in the wrong direction! I realised my mistake after one kilometre. It didn’t matter however, as I finished up on cycle route 1km into Edinburgh which took me southwest on a very quiet disused railway track. I turned off towards Haymarket Railway station then crossed another park area where I sat on a park bench to air my feet. It was a good route if you want to bypass Edinburgh but doesn’t give you an idea of the character of the city.
As I went south the area gradually became more rural. I took what I thought was a short cut on another old railway track approaching the campsite at Lothianbridge, across farmland. It was a bit boggy and meandered somewhat. I think it would have better to have taken the main road via Tescos.
Lothianbridge campsite is situated under the old viaduct. I camped under one of the arches in case it rained (it didn’t) and in the morning noticed a sign saying ‘Danger. Falling Masonary’.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tue 28 July, Rest Day
Hi All,
Strictly this is not a JOGLE day. I am having the day off in Edinburgh and catching up with the blog and shopping etc.
First may I thank all those of you who have made donations. It does provide me with a great boost to my morale. The first 5 miles aren't ususally too bad on any one day. It's the last 5 miles that take it out of you, whether it's 15 or 20 miles in total. Knowing my walking is helping raise money for research into a cure for CLL does help to keep me going.
Thanks Chris (Jones) for the photo of my midge bitten legs. The bites look as angry as they felt on your photo. My photo was a bit washed out.
Today I've posted back to my sister 650 grams of 'things not needed on voyage', but sadly I think may be buying more new stuff than I posted back! Shampoo, AA batteries etc. The long distance walking fraternity will be familiar with the 'post it back' procedure.
I head south tomorrow, walking through central Edinburgh which should be interesting. Whilst I don't like traffic noise, I find urban areas are not uninteresting places to walk. The noise walking across the Forth road bridge was horrendous. Whilst it would be nice to wear ear plugs, odd bits of slow traffic can creep up on you from behind even in the walking lane. You need your hearing. The walking lane also used by maintenance vehicles and lots of bicycles.
Strictly this is not a JOGLE day. I am having the day off in Edinburgh and catching up with the blog and shopping etc.
First may I thank all those of you who have made donations. It does provide me with a great boost to my morale. The first 5 miles aren't ususally too bad on any one day. It's the last 5 miles that take it out of you, whether it's 15 or 20 miles in total. Knowing my walking is helping raise money for research into a cure for CLL does help to keep me going.
Thanks Chris (Jones) for the photo of my midge bitten legs. The bites look as angry as they felt on your photo. My photo was a bit washed out.
Today I've posted back to my sister 650 grams of 'things not needed on voyage', but sadly I think may be buying more new stuff than I posted back! Shampoo, AA batteries etc. The long distance walking fraternity will be familiar with the 'post it back' procedure.
I head south tomorrow, walking through central Edinburgh which should be interesting. Whilst I don't like traffic noise, I find urban areas are not uninteresting places to walk. The noise walking across the Forth road bridge was horrendous. Whilst it would be nice to wear ear plugs, odd bits of slow traffic can creep up on you from behind even in the walking lane. You need your hearing. The walking lane also used by maintenance vehicles and lots of bicycles.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Day 21, Mon 27 July, Calais Muir Wood to Edinburgh
Left the campsite at Duloch Hamlet after a cooked breakfast (provided by the site owners) by 8.30am. Although there were midges about, I didn’t get bitten!
The route, apart from the first 100 metres was either on a cycle way or pavement.
There was a strong head wind as I crossed the Forth Road Bridge and I had a good view of the Forth Rail Bridge. I don’t particularly like heights so was pleased when I was across! I made my way inland towards Edinburg and had lunch at a pub on the banks of the Almond River. I followed the river to the Firth of Forth, very pleasant, then along Marine Parade to the campsite. The tide was low and several people were walking on the causeway to Cramond Island. When I went out for my evening meal the tide had come in again. It had been overcast all day but there was a beautiful sunset that night.
I picked up my new set of maps to get me as far as Wolverhampton (my sister sent then to me at the campsite).
Tomorrow I’m having the day in Edinburg, to catch up on my shopping, recharge phones etc. and hopefully find an internet café.
The route, apart from the first 100 metres was either on a cycle way or pavement.
There was a strong head wind as I crossed the Forth Road Bridge and I had a good view of the Forth Rail Bridge. I don’t particularly like heights so was pleased when I was across! I made my way inland towards Edinburg and had lunch at a pub on the banks of the Almond River. I followed the river to the Firth of Forth, very pleasant, then along Marine Parade to the campsite. The tide was low and several people were walking on the causeway to Cramond Island. When I went out for my evening meal the tide had come in again. It had been overcast all day but there was a beautiful sunset that night.
I picked up my new set of maps to get me as far as Wolverhampton (my sister sent then to me at the campsite).
Tomorrow I’m having the day in Edinburg, to catch up on my shopping, recharge phones etc. and hopefully find an internet café.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Day 20, Sun 27 July, Kinross to Calais Muir Wood
It was pouring with rain again when I woke, so I stayed in my tent hoping it would ease but at 8.30 am decided to pack up. I put the tent in the bottom section of my pack which was a lot heavier being so wet. About a kilometre past Kinross the rain eased, but it started again at Keltybridge and eased again by the time I got to Kingseat. At least I didn’t need sun tan lotion or midge repellent!
South of Kingseat the navigation got a bit tricky. A lot of new housing in areas where my maps showed tracks. (quite expensive houses - 434,000 pounds!).
One place near Halbeath I stopped to take photographs of some murals on the old leisure centre (a new one has just been built). I was looking at the map and a chap stopped to ask if he could help. Just the day before he said that he had donated to leukaemia research! South from here the road got more like a farm track and I came across an area which looked as if it was part of a scrap yard, cars, bits of washing machines etc. A large black dog leapt out at me barking ferociously. It lunged at me several times but was tied round its waist by a rope. I was about a metre away form its jaws. Then I heard a couple of people shouting at me and they said that I couldn’t go on as the route was blocked off. After I showed them my map which indicated a navigable path they admitted that I could go on, but would have to climb a fence. (There is now an alternative route via the new leisure centre which I think would be the better option). The track petered out at the fence, which was easy enough to climb over with the pack off.
I didn’t change my rote to look for a B&B so pitched my tent at Duloch Hamlet. The camp site here is more of a wild camp, a cold water tap, no showers, a composting toilet which seemed to be very effective, it didn’t smell. The owners provide wood for you to build a camp fire. (This as the type of camping I did with my brother Gordon all those years ago, except we had to look for our own wood!).
I had a good evening meal at the Queen Hotel in Inverkeithing (steak and salad followed with a pavlova with grapes, strawberries, blueberries, plums, mangoes).
My tent has dried off.
South of Kingseat the navigation got a bit tricky. A lot of new housing in areas where my maps showed tracks. (quite expensive houses - 434,000 pounds!).
One place near Halbeath I stopped to take photographs of some murals on the old leisure centre (a new one has just been built). I was looking at the map and a chap stopped to ask if he could help. Just the day before he said that he had donated to leukaemia research! South from here the road got more like a farm track and I came across an area which looked as if it was part of a scrap yard, cars, bits of washing machines etc. A large black dog leapt out at me barking ferociously. It lunged at me several times but was tied round its waist by a rope. I was about a metre away form its jaws. Then I heard a couple of people shouting at me and they said that I couldn’t go on as the route was blocked off. After I showed them my map which indicated a navigable path they admitted that I could go on, but would have to climb a fence. (There is now an alternative route via the new leisure centre which I think would be the better option). The track petered out at the fence, which was easy enough to climb over with the pack off.
I didn’t change my rote to look for a B&B so pitched my tent at Duloch Hamlet. The camp site here is more of a wild camp, a cold water tap, no showers, a composting toilet which seemed to be very effective, it didn’t smell. The owners provide wood for you to build a camp fire. (This as the type of camping I did with my brother Gordon all those years ago, except we had to look for our own wood!).
I had a good evening meal at the Queen Hotel in Inverkeithing (steak and salad followed with a pavlova with grapes, strawberries, blueberries, plums, mangoes).
My tent has dried off.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Day 19, Sat 29 July, Perth to Kinross
Left the camp site about 7.30am and got MacDonalds by 8am. Had a cooked breakfast followed by pancakes!
The walk was mainly on the road and the weather warm and sunny. There was a private track across a farm (Mains Condi), where I had my only conversation of the ‘walking’ part of the day. (I filled up with water and was allowed to use the track.). The route goes down into Pathstruie and then up into a forest -- Hard work.
I got the campsite at about 4.15 pm and collapsed into the chair in the office!
I had about a 20 minute walk to find somewhere for my evening meal and arrived at ‘The Green’ at about 8pm. ‘Oh, you’re a bit late’ was the response but seeing that there was only one they fitted me in! Late? At 8 pm on a Saturday night? However, I did have a very nice meal (chicken wrapped in parma ham with a mustard sauce followed by a cheese board).
I went looking for somewhere for breakfast for the next morning and somehow got the wrong route back to the campsite which put a further 20 mins on to my day. Feel quite exhausted so may change my route tomorrow to avoid my having to wild camp and find a B&B.
The walk was mainly on the road and the weather warm and sunny. There was a private track across a farm (Mains Condi), where I had my only conversation of the ‘walking’ part of the day. (I filled up with water and was allowed to use the track.). The route goes down into Pathstruie and then up into a forest -- Hard work.
I got the campsite at about 4.15 pm and collapsed into the chair in the office!
I had about a 20 minute walk to find somewhere for my evening meal and arrived at ‘The Green’ at about 8pm. ‘Oh, you’re a bit late’ was the response but seeing that there was only one they fitted me in! Late? At 8 pm on a Saturday night? However, I did have a very nice meal (chicken wrapped in parma ham with a mustard sauce followed by a cheese board).
I went looking for somewhere for breakfast for the next morning and somehow got the wrong route back to the campsite which put a further 20 mins on to my day. Feel quite exhausted so may change my route tomorrow to avoid my having to wild camp and find a B&B.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Photo Update 2
Old hut I stayed at when crossing the Minigaig
Fountain in Dunkeld Square
Entering perth from the south
Campsite in Perth
Day 18, Fri 24 July, Inver Dunkeld to Perth
For those of you who have done this type of walking will know that there are good days and bad days. This day started out as a bad day! On packing up my tent I was attacked by midges. The rain started by the time I had walked the extra mile back to Dunkeld. So I took off my pack to put on wet weather gear, and doing the pack up again the main buckle snapped. I walked for about 2 miles, passed the railway station when I realised I no longer had my Akubra bush hat. I don’t know where I lost it. The rain started to increase. I followed the cycle route 77 to the Pass of Birnam. I then took a short cut along what was the old A9 – it is now a deeply rutted 4 wheel drive track. The ruts were a foot deep filled with water. The middle bit was grass 18 inches high hiding pot holes. A mile of it was particularly difficult. However things did start to improve and I was able to get a sandwich and coffee to go at the only shop in Bankfoot. I then headed south in gradually increasing rain which eventually became torrential and it hailed! The road flooded and passing cars threw up copious amounts spray. One couple stopped their car and offered me a lift, but I felt I had to carry on walking. (Actually the rain is not as bad as walking through midges). I eventually came to Pitcairngreen, a small village with a pub offering lunch, but I decided to walk on to Almondbank a slightly larger place, only to find no pub, no tea room! (It did have a shop).
I arrived at New House Farm, a new camp site situated to the west side of Perth next to the Noah’s Ark Golf Driving Range (where you check in for the camp site) by 2.30pm. It is a new camp site, only been open for 8 weeks with great ‘oldie’ friendly showers.
After pitching my tent I went to scout out my route for the following day. I decided to veer from my original route (as I found todays hard going) so I am now going to head for the services on the M90 at Boxden where there is a MacDonalds for Breakfast. (I had my evening meal there too). While I was walking around the Boxden services I met Sandy walking his deer hound. Sandy is a member of the Perth Hill Walking Club and he gave me some useful information for my route to-morrow.
When I got back to the camp site I met the owner who was doing his rounds. We had a pleasant chat and he asked me how I found out about the site, being so new. Well it when I was back in NZ using the net. I gave him my blog web site and a little later he returned with a very generous 20 pound donation for the charities.
In spite of finding the day quite tough I didn’t feel depressed – exercise must be good for the brain!
I arrived at New House Farm, a new camp site situated to the west side of Perth next to the Noah’s Ark Golf Driving Range (where you check in for the camp site) by 2.30pm. It is a new camp site, only been open for 8 weeks with great ‘oldie’ friendly showers.
After pitching my tent I went to scout out my route for the following day. I decided to veer from my original route (as I found todays hard going) so I am now going to head for the services on the M90 at Boxden where there is a MacDonalds for Breakfast. (I had my evening meal there too). While I was walking around the Boxden services I met Sandy walking his deer hound. Sandy is a member of the Perth Hill Walking Club and he gave me some useful information for my route to-morrow.
When I got back to the camp site I met the owner who was doing his rounds. We had a pleasant chat and he asked me how I found out about the site, being so new. Well it when I was back in NZ using the net. I gave him my blog web site and a little later he returned with a very generous 20 pound donation for the charities.
In spite of finding the day quite tough I didn’t feel depressed – exercise must be good for the brain!
Day 17, Thu 23 July, Pitlochry to Inver Dunkeld
I haven’t been looking at my e-mails, blog and comments etc. I’m ringing home and telling them of my days’ activities and they update the blog. When I get to Edinburgh I will try and catch up with my e-mails etc.
Bit hard starting off the next day. Had such a great time in the pub last night it felt quite lonely on my own!
I climbed above the A9 on a quiet road to start with – a beautiful pastoral scene, very green, rain clouds scudding across the sky. I was reminded of Beethoven’s 6th Symphony. After about 7 kilometres I came to a junction. Had to decide whether to head towards Ballinouig or carry on the high road above the A9. I met a chap walking his dog and he told me that there was an A9 service station in Ballinouig so headed there for brunch and then walked along cycle route 83 to Dunkeld. Made good time (it was harder going on the high road). I went to the Inver camp site which is about 1 mile to the east of Dunkeld … which means that I will 1 mile further to go to-morrow!
I had my evening meal at the Royal Dunkeld Hotel where I met Alan and Elsa. Alan was in his eighties, a survivor of bowel cancer and Elsa suffers quite badly from glaucoma and the side effects. They had such a positive outlook on life. Alan’s arm was strapped due to RSI from spending too much time on the internet. The doctor didn’t think it was too bad until Alan mentioned that it was interfering with his golf! I passed a very enjoyable with them. They have relatives in Auckland, New Zealand.
I know that I have been going on about midges, but I now have a replacement obsession to go on about – cleggs. The nuclear armed version of the midge, who not only take blood, but flesh as well!
Bit hard starting off the next day. Had such a great time in the pub last night it felt quite lonely on my own!
I climbed above the A9 on a quiet road to start with – a beautiful pastoral scene, very green, rain clouds scudding across the sky. I was reminded of Beethoven’s 6th Symphony. After about 7 kilometres I came to a junction. Had to decide whether to head towards Ballinouig or carry on the high road above the A9. I met a chap walking his dog and he told me that there was an A9 service station in Ballinouig so headed there for brunch and then walked along cycle route 83 to Dunkeld. Made good time (it was harder going on the high road). I went to the Inver camp site which is about 1 mile to the east of Dunkeld … which means that I will 1 mile further to go to-morrow!
I had my evening meal at the Royal Dunkeld Hotel where I met Alan and Elsa. Alan was in his eighties, a survivor of bowel cancer and Elsa suffers quite badly from glaucoma and the side effects. They had such a positive outlook on life. Alan’s arm was strapped due to RSI from spending too much time on the internet. The doctor didn’t think it was too bad until Alan mentioned that it was interfering with his golf! I passed a very enjoyable with them. They have relatives in Auckland, New Zealand.
I know that I have been going on about midges, but I now have a replacement obsession to go on about – cleggs. The nuclear armed version of the midge, who not only take blood, but flesh as well!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Day 16, Wed 22 July, Allt Sheicheachan to Pitlochry
Day 16
Allt Sheicheachan to Pitlochry
Date: Wed 22 July
Distance: 25.2 km (15.7 Miles)
Distance covered: 394.3 Km (245.0 Miles)
Distance to go: 1234.0 Km (766.8 Miles)
Day 16 Report
Left the bothy at 8.30, met another mountain biker called Dave. Just before Blair Castle I was told of a short cut to Blair, by Edward and Edward.
Blair Castle was impressive. A pity that I felt I needed to get along the way, rather than stop for a bit of sight seeing. It started to rain as I left, but I was on a sheltered avenue – with magnificent trees leading from the castle. I met someone walking his dogs. He pointed me in the right direction (I was a little disorientated by visiting the castle), passed an old corn mill, where I had lunch, crossed the river on a foot bridge and set off to Killiecrankie. It was raining heavily there so I popped into the Killiecrankie Hotel for afternoon tea. The receptionist was on the net, so I mentioned my blog and when the waiter brought me my tea it was ‘on the house’. Many thanks Henrietta (proprietress). I will put the money towards the charity. Very nice cream tea!
Between Killiecrankie and Pitlochry I lost my map. Luckily I met a young father with his daughter on his back, his young son by his side (T and CO – hope your Dad has time to talk to you now C!). He guided me to Pitlochry, where I pitched my tent in a very nice campsite and had my first shower in three days and did all my washing.
I found a pub for my the evening meal and met 3 fellows from Duham, who had just returned from JoG using small motor cycles, retracing a trip one of them had done more than 40 years (I think) ago.
They gave 15 pounds for the charities. Many thanks.
Allt Sheicheachan to Pitlochry
Date: Wed 22 July
Distance: 25.2 km (15.7 Miles)
Distance covered: 394.3 Km (245.0 Miles)
Distance to go: 1234.0 Km (766.8 Miles)
Day 16 Report
Left the bothy at 8.30, met another mountain biker called Dave. Just before Blair Castle I was told of a short cut to Blair, by Edward and Edward.
Blair Castle was impressive. A pity that I felt I needed to get along the way, rather than stop for a bit of sight seeing. It started to rain as I left, but I was on a sheltered avenue – with magnificent trees leading from the castle. I met someone walking his dogs. He pointed me in the right direction (I was a little disorientated by visiting the castle), passed an old corn mill, where I had lunch, crossed the river on a foot bridge and set off to Killiecrankie. It was raining heavily there so I popped into the Killiecrankie Hotel for afternoon tea. The receptionist was on the net, so I mentioned my blog and when the waiter brought me my tea it was ‘on the house’. Many thanks Henrietta (proprietress). I will put the money towards the charity. Very nice cream tea!
Between Killiecrankie and Pitlochry I lost my map. Luckily I met a young father with his daughter on his back, his young son by his side (T and CO – hope your Dad has time to talk to you now C!). He guided me to Pitlochry, where I pitched my tent in a very nice campsite and had my first shower in three days and did all my washing.
I found a pub for my the evening meal and met 3 fellows from Duham, who had just returned from JoG using small motor cycles, retracing a trip one of them had done more than 40 years (I think) ago.
They gave 15 pounds for the charities. Many thanks.
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