Day 79 of the End to End began at Beith and took a two and a half mile extra loop to join Sustrans route 7 near Kilbirnie. I managed the distance in 45 minutes, and my first three miles in 55 minutes, which must be some of my fastest times of the whole LEJOG so far.
It’s not the first time I’ve used Route 7, part of the National Cycle Network. After crossing the border I used Route 7 in the Arran area in Dumfries and Galloway. It’s a route that goes right across Scotland. At this point it’s following a old railway route, the former Dalry to North Johnstone line. The line was closed to passengers in 1966 and the cycle path opened in 1988. It also forms part of the Whithorn Way, the Pilgrim route from Glasgow to the Isle of Whithorn.
Once I’d got onto it, I settled down to a more sensible pace as I had at least another 7 miles to go for the day. Also because there were a great number of early common spotted orchids in the meadows alongside the first part of the trail that I wanted to photograph.
It was a beautiful route and I’m so glad we decided to use it. As well as the meadows and strips of woodland, there were also many small pools alongside the track creating many different habitats. Bob came to meet me from Lochwinnoch car park. When we got there we had a picnic by the lochside and picked up an ice cream at the visitors centre.
The second half of the day was similar with the tree lined route replete with lovely flowers and other interesting sights, including the occasional sculpture and some wild strawberries.
There was the Collegiate Church of Castle Semple, which is now a ruin, and other parts of the old estate. There was also an odd wooden structure. Any ideas what it might be?
We arrived at Kilbarchan in good time, coming off route 7 at the former station. It hadn’t been too hot, no rain and easy walking. During the course of the day I passed the 1000 miles mark for walking so far this year.
From Psalm 25
God, show me the right path; point out the route for me to follow.
It’s good that this path is still being used as a sustainable traffic free route.
On the walk I’ve used many old routes and the country is criss-crossed with paths used by our forbears.
We walk in the footsteps of those who have gone ahead of us.
Christ before me, Christ above me,
Christ beside me, Christ behind me,
Christ in mouth of all who love me.
God grant a quiet night and a peaceful end.
JAL 02.07.2019
Day 79 of the End to End, Beith to Kilbarchan.
Janet press on. You are a blessing