Linlithgow 14 June

Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Graham, Hugh, Ian, Jimmy, Malcolm, Rex, Robert

Allan and Malcolm got stuck in traffic going through Glasgow so, as they arrived at Harthill at five past ten on another blistering day, expecting a quick coffee and a comfort break, they were met by the others exiting the café and indicating we were moving off without further delay. Compassion! Nevertheless, the journey from there down to Linlithgow was uneventful and we all managed to get parked in the same car park.

It must have been about twenty to eleven when we started walking in a clockwise direction round the loch and the beautiful weather, enhanced by a nice wee breeze coming off the water, afforded us great views of the palace. It was then up to the canal basin (Union Canal) where we paused, as we have done in the past, for a tea/coffee/water break.

Moving on, the walk along the canal path was straightforward, although we were intrigued by some new road building down to our right which seemed to be going nowhere. Further investigation suggests that it is in fact a cycle track adjoining the nearby sports centre. As we walked some of us reminisced about previous visits here, particularly when we arrived at a spot we had parked at on a long-ago cycle (27^th May 2009). On reaching the Avon Aqueduct* over the Avon gorge, most went across, another box ticked, and then came back and descended the nearby steps where lunch was called for. Some sat down on the steps, but most chose the shade of the trees beyond them for a well-earned break from the sun.

We were now on the River Avon Heritage trail which thankfully afforded us lots of shade and, with all the dry weather, underfoot was perfect. Mind you Davie minor managed to trip over a root and took a tumble. Very elegant he was, and was awarded a score of 5.7, not on the Richter scale I might add. No damage was done, and we all arrived at the railway viaduct and made our way up on to the main road leading back to the cars. We had covered a tad over eight miles in just under three and a half hours and were ready for FRT.

Bidding farewell to Ian, we decided to head back to the Kings in Fenwick and, hopefully, miss the worst of the traffic. And so it proved to be. All returned via East Kilbride to enjoy nice cold drinks in our chosen hostelry. A relaxing end to a cracking day out.

*Robert was very critical of the lack of decent pointing in the stone cobbles of the walkway. It was suggested that he return next week to finish the job himself, taking a big piece and plenty of water. He should be finished well before the ferries!