And there was morning and there was afternoon, the 71st day: a day of two halves. It was forecast to be wet in the morning so we did a few odd jobs like washing during which time there was some thunder and lightening.
Then we drove up to Wanlockhead which is Scotland ‘s highest village at 1531 feet above sea level. The drive up through the Mennock Pass was spectacular. The area was formerly a base for lead mining and there is a museum there now telling the story of the area since the 18th century. We had lunch in the visitors centre as the rain continued to fall.
After lunch, the rain was easing and we drove back to Drumlanrig Castle to start the walk. We’d had a lot of discussion about whether or not to use the path by the River Nith. We thought it might be a bit too wet after the rain. However, when I looked at it, I thought it looked like a well drained track and decided to go that way.
I’m glad I did. It was a beautiful path through mixed woodland within sound if not always sight of the river. Now dominated by foxgloves and ferns with both broad leaved and coniferous trees in the canopy, the path, though well signed, was dark at times on a grey day.
Bob walked back towards me and after we met, we also saw some early spotted orchids.
Once back on the road it was only a few minutes walk to Glenairlie bridge. A plaque on the bridge tells of a terrible 19th century accident that left its mark on the stonework, in which a horse died in a thunderstorm. It marked the end of today’s walk and there had been no further rain.
A poem, looking through the window at this morning’s storm.
Crack of Light
A silver nick,
A lightening tick,
Cracks through the cloud
All thundering down
The distant hills.
The ragged edge,
Like a whiskered hedge,
Parts silently
Enough to see
The promised good.
For now, God grant a quiet night and a peaceful end.
JAL 24.06.2019
Day 71 of the End to End, Drumlanrig Castle to Glenairlie bridge.