Glasgow Canal Walk 13 February

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Ian, Jim, Johnny, Kenny T, Rex, Robert

We assembled at the Counting House for coffee to prepare for the day. It was good to see Jim again and we were heartened to hear that Holly had escaped relatively unscathed after her escapade with a barbed wire fence. Having considered the options, most favoured walking along the canal, well the tow-path next to the canal, and on to Kelvingrove, so by half past ten we were on our way. Thankfully the light rain that had fallen earlier had stopped and the rest of the day was to be dry and bright for us.
Joining the canal at our usual point at Speirs Wharf, we made good progress up to the Maryhill Locks where we paused for ten minutes to allow Davie Mc to have his piece. On the way we had noticed some tree clearing on the opposite bank so it will be interesting to see what the finished article looks like the next time we are on this walk. We did see a cormorant and a heron as well as some of the more local wildlife, and plenty of litter in or beside the canal.
Moving on from the locks we travelled down the Kelvin Walkway to the newly painted footbridge over the river which took us into the Botanic Gardens, and public toilets, so necessary these days, especially for us. It was then down Byres Road and along to Kelvingrove to see Dippy the Diplodocus. We hadn’t counted on the Glasgow schools still being on holiday as the place was heaving, so we didn’t stay long and left just as the organist started playing. Showing compassion, not like us, we waited outside for Gus, who had spent some time in the charity bookshop, to join us, and, by half past one, we had reached Hengler’s Circus (Wetherspoon’s) in Sauchiehall Street, where we were comfortably seated together, unlike the previous occasion. We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch, but by about quarter to three it was time to make our way back home.
All in all, we had covered about nine miles by the time we got back to the bus/train station. A grand day out!