A fitful night’s sleep because of the noise from the strong wind, evidenced by a nearby tent reduced to a mangled heap of poles. My ribs are a little sore due to taking the weight of my pack round my […]
Day 128: Kildonan to Auchencar Read More »
Previous day Most of the day will be spent travelling by train and ferry. As I prepare to leave the house, I clumsily step on my backpack hip belt buckle and snap a piece off, so now it can’t be
Day 127: Ardrossan to Kildonan Read More »
Apparently it’s hotter than the Sahara Desert down south. I don’t think Ayrshire got the message. Prestwick is cold, grey, wet, and windy, with the beach offering no shelter. A slight detour through Royal Troon golf course offers a little
Day 126: Ayr to Ardrossan Read More »
Maisie appears to tell me it’s time to get up. A woodland track should take me back to the sea, but the path becomes progressively more overgrown until I’m wading through chest high ferns, finding myself at the edge of
Day 125: Culzean Castle to Ayr Read More »
The bus from Stranraer only runs every two hours and I’ve a long hike today, so make sure to catch the first bus. Less than a mile out of town, it shudders to a halt. “First time in 30 years”
Day 124: Ballantrae to Culzean Castle Read More »
The dawn chorus wakes me around 4am. I have the luxury of a light pack today as I’m camping here for two nights. The Loch Ryan Coastal Path is easy to follow to the new ferry port at Cairnryan. Stranraer
Day 123: Stranraer to Ballantrae Read More »
Hiking round the north of The Rhins is a challenge. The coastal path is still under development, so most walkers choose an inland route. It’s also a huge distance round to Stranraer, including the busy A718. I’ve planned a compromise
Day 122: Portpatrick to Stranraer Read More »
The Rhins are so lush, with endless rolling green hills, each topped with a wind turbine, whirring round on another blustery day. I can’t help thinking of telly tubby land. Quiet roads lead to Clanyard, before heading cross-country to Port
Day 121: Mull of Galloway to Portpatrick Read More »
The plan for the week is to hike round the hammer-headed Rhins of Galloway before following the Ayrshire Coastal Path north to Ardrossan, where there is a good rail connection to Glasgow. It’s challenging but will allow me to return
Day 120: Sandhead to Mull of Galloway Read More »
I’m woken at 4am by the wind roaring off the sea. A bracing stroll down to the water’s edge is followed by a leisurely breakfast — my first test of the Expedition Foods range: granola with raspberries, which is delicious.
Day 119: Port William to Sandhead Read More »