Day 69 of the End to End, we left Dumfries and caught up with the place where we left the route on Thursday, which was near Greenbogue farm.
It was a warm, sunny day and even walking was thirsty work. It was some weeks since we last had this kind of weather on LEJOG. The first section was to Kirkton, which had a large (closed) church. Church of Scotland churches seem less likely to be open than Parish churches in England. Just outside the village, the War Memorial is set on a hill and commands a good view.
With the whole walk so far along the road I was struggling for distractions. There were a few buzzards about, including one feasting on a pigeon in a field by the road. Another was calling to it from the trees.
The next lay-by revealed the hungrier caterpillars of the walk so far making a meal of the local nettles. Although still tiny, you can just see the body hairs developing on some of them. This photo is especially for hungry caterpillar fans like Jenny and Joseph.
Bob met me and we had lunch at the Dalswinton chapel. This metal chapel was erected in 1881 and is painted red.
Behind the chapel is a Journey Garden, designed as a place to remember the lives of those who have worked at Dalswinton. In the centre of the garden there is a stone labyrinth.
A path through the wood led out to Dalswinton village. With only a couple of miles left, we were soon at Auldgirth Inn, the end of today’s walk, for a cool drink.
We then drove to Sanquhar to our accommodation for the week ahead at Lochside, not far from the Southern Upland Way.
From the Labyrinth at Dalswinton
Look where you have been,
View where you are at,
Seek where you want to be
God grant a quiet night and a peaceful end.
JAL 22.06.2019
Day 69 of the End to End from Greenbogue farm to Auldgirth Inn.