Day 43 - Two thirds and still walking

Two bridges cross Avon Water,a tributary of the Clyde, near Hamilton.

I appreciated the welcome, but they had miscalculated - I completed two-thirds of the walk today!

Hosts George and Annette in their pretty garden.

There are a series of these adverts - Mexico, because their moustaches remind me of my grandma; Cameroon because it rhymes with Macaroon etc. I haven't yet seen one which says England because they are British - if I do I will let you know.

Whilst it would be untrue to say that I enjoyed my walk through Glasgow it was certainly interesting and was a lot better than I had feared. Jean also found it easier to drive into the city than she had thought may be the case. I did however see several examples of the stereotypical Glaswegians - I will let you fill in the gaps! There was a row of shops where about half were empty, the open shops were a family lawyer. a criminal lawyer, a cheque centre and a charity shop - I expect that a soap could make a plot out of this!

I apologise for continually talking about numbers but I am an accountant. I have now walked 650 miles which is over two-thirds of the way to JOG. The exact two-thirds point was just outside the entrance to Hamilton Golf Club. I now have less than 300 miles to go (295 to be exact) - and whilst I know that it is still a long way and that they will be hard miles, it does feel good to have less than 300 to go. You may remember that when I had done one-third I said that all I had to do was repeat what I had done - twice. Now I can say that all I need to do is half of what I have already done.

A guide to walking LEJOG that I have says that the final third is the hardest as the body starts to fail because of over use. I understand what they are saying - but only time will tell. The slight problem with the walk did not appear again today. The left ankle had only one twinge when I landed on an uneven path.

Tomorrow I start the West Highland Way and hope to reach Drymen.

Today's KBW's are to George and Annette our hosts for tonight. Thanks to them for hosting us when we are only known through a common acquaintance. As we do not expect to have any more hosts or support drivers or walkers I have decided that future KBW's will be awarded to the best feedback to me via the blog,by email, text or by phone especially to people who reply to the questions that I sometimes ask.

"Walking would teach people the quality that youngsters find so hard to learn - patience." - Pepper Giardino

Cheers

Keith

Day 42 - Bikes and birds

Well - it was a slow photo day! Just to prove that the sun does shine in Scotland.

The shape of things to come. In the middle distance (if you enlarge the image) are the high rise buildings of Glasgow. In the distance are the hills that await me on the West Highland Way.

Some of the 650 riders taking part in the charity ride organised by James Cracknell. Steve regrettably is not in the picture.

After such a good day yesterday it was probably to be assumed that today would not be the same, and so it proved. Steve who walked 2 days with me in the South West is taking part in the James Cracknell bike ride from John O'Groats to lands End in 9 days. I found out yesterday that we would be travelling in opposite directions on the B7078 today. Jean and I therefore made an early start to try to see Steve ride by. However although we saw nearly all 650 go past we didn't see Steve. Our theory is that he took the advice that I gave him last night to use the very good cycle path rather than the threadbare road. The problem caused by this is that the path is to the left of the trees that can be seen in the photo - so we wouldn't have seen him. Jean however was compensated by James Cracknell waving to us as he went past.

The good news today was that I received a text telling me that there is a full page article about my walk in the Coventry Telegraph today. This contains the blog address - so welcome to any new readers.

Waiting to see Steve allowed me to spend an hour or so birdwatching in the Lanarkshire countryside- something that my need to do the miles doesn't normally allow me to do. This allowed me to see a snipe displaying, when they fly somewhat like a bat but also make a noise called "drumming" which makes it sound like a flying vuvuzela. The other bird spotting highlight today was to see the first redshank of the trip.

In terms of walking I did 18 miles along the B7078 to reach Larkhall. Most of the route was on good cycle paths on quite roads. However the few miles after Blackwood was a nightmare as not only did the cycle path disappear there was often no proper verge to retreat to - this was certainly worrying as there was an inordinate number of quarry lorries speeding along the road.

The scenery today was not very interesting,being flatter and more developed as I approach Glasgow.

I have received an email from Martin (who walked 2 days with me in Warks and Staffs) in which he gently reprimands me for not including sufficient details of the problems that I have encountered. He says that with the football not being so good and some of the soaps being cancelled he needs my blog to give him some drama. The best that I can come up with today is that I have an occasional very slight pain in my left calf. My shins and left ankle are perfectly serviceable on flat ground (although I am still taking painkillers as a precaution), but I am a little concerned that I will find the going tougher when these problems are exposed to the tougher terrain of the West Highland Way. There you are Martin - some suspense for you as well.

Tomorrow I walk through Glasgow. My original plan was to walk along the Clyde Way to Partick where we are staying the night. However I am considering changing this plan and to walk along the city streets in order to save a few miles of walking. This will then hopefully put me into a position to start the WHW on Thursday. I will make the final decision later tonight.

As well as seeing James Cracknell, Jean had a good day visiting New Lanark which is a World Heritage Site, just outside Lanark. As well as enjoying an interesting visit she was pleased to find the place having failed to find Wigan Pier and the Ribble Steam Railway on the trip so far.

"As a nation we are dedicated to keeping physically fit - and parking as close to the stadium as possible." - Bill Vaughan

Cheers

Keith

Days 40 and 41 - 600 miles and a coincidence

An attractive view over the Clyde valley from the B7078 this afternoon.

The river Clyde near to the village of Crawford - which was the 600 mile mark of the walk.

The intrepid walker celebrates reaching a total of 600 miles, with Lindsay Tower in the background.

The statue of the Ram at Moffat which signifies the role that the town had in the wool trade in the 1870's.

I had a very good day today. The roads were good, the weather was sunny but not too hot, and the views especially in the afternoon were lovely. Even better the ankle that I twisted on Saturday did not cause me any problem, which was a very pleasant surprise as I had expected some trouble from it. I chalked up a new county as well - Lanarkshire.

I reached the 600 mile mark near to the village of Crawford. By an amazing coincidence this village contains the remains of Lindsay Tower.This was inherited by the Lindsay family in 1215 as a result of a marriage. It was occupied by English forces led by Edward 1 until it was relieved when William Wallace led a force which stormed the castle in the winter of 1296/1297. As you can see from the photo it is no longer in very good repair so I won't be looking to stake my claim to a part of it!

You may remember that I reached the 300 mile mark at Norton Lindsey (sic) - lets wait and see where the 900 mile mark is!

I have now walked 610 miles which leaves 335 to go. I have reached a place on the B7078 about 4 miles north of Abington. Tomorrow I continue along the B7078 and hope to reach Hamilton on the outskirts of Glasgow. Steve Twigger (remember him from Cornwall and Devon) is presently cycling from JOG to LE - I met the organiser of their ride today and I learnt that they will be cycling south along the B7078! I will try to speak to Steve tonight to see if our paths will actually cross. It is possible that they will not as they leave East Kilbride at 6.30 and so may have already passed before I have had my breakfast!

Yesterday was a rest day and for the second week running it rained for most of the day. Jean and I therefore did a circular car trip to Peebles visiting several lochs and reservoirs as well as the Grey Mares Tail waterfall. We are staying at a hotel just outside Lanark for the next 2 nights.

Thanks for all of the messages of support - comments on the blog, emails and phone calls. They really do boost my determination to succeed knowing that so many of you are supporting me. I look forward to receiving more comments from you.

To celebrate the fact that I am in Rabbie Burns country the quote today comes from the world famous poet, and will ensure that I do not become complacent about the next 335 miles.. It is amazing how his name gets used in marketing - at the Italian restaurant last night they had a "Rabbie Burns Pizza" which included haggis amongst its ingredients.

"There is no such uncertainty as a sure thing." - Rabbie Burns

Cheers

Keith

Day 39 - KBW's and MBE's

The gentle rolling hills of the border country.

Walking down the B7076 north of Lockerbie. I made sure that I did not break the speed limit!

The mounted riders set off to patrol the Marches of Lockerbie.

The Queen's Birthday Honours list has obviously been paying attention to the KBW awards and has made Mario (he is the one with the Playgirls!) an MBE for his services to the Care sector. Congratulations Mario! I cannot promise that all KBW holders will be similarly honoured - but I am sure that your KBW is reward enough.

Today started with me witnessing the start of the Lockerbie Gala. This consisted of over 100 riders setting of from the town hall at 8.30 to patrol the Marches (boundaries) of Lockerbie to ensure that they are safe. Our waiter at the hotel told me that they were looking for any Englishmen. A Scot at the opening ceremony confirmed this and said that it was a pity that they could no longer shoot them! They were both joking - I think!

Jean and Graham visited the Garden of Remembrance to commemorate the Pan Am crash in 1988. They said that it was was very moving.

Adrian Moore (remember him as my excellent support driver in the South West) rang me today to say that he was back from his holiday in Spain. He had lost touch with my progress and was surprised when he learnt that I was now in Scotland. The last he had heard was that I was suffering with my shins. A belated Happy Birthday to Heather for a few days ago.

The walk today was entirely along the B7076. This road is very good for walking as it has paths or cycle lanes for the whole length. I walked about 19 miles to 5 miles north of Moffat (where we are staying for 2 nights). The 2 photos above show the contrasting views from the road. The first shows the gentle rolling hills of the borders - I am told that these are "trainer" hills in preparation for the mountains that I will face on my stroll through Scotland. The afternoon walk was not as attractive and, as can be seen from the second photo, it was often through a tunnel of trees which restricted the views of the countryside.

After having company for the last few days it seemed strange not to have anyone to talk to. I even resorted to singing to myself at one point - much to the puzzlement of the local cows! I also had a quieter wild life spotting day without Graham's excellent eyesight. I did however spot a shrew.

There were a lot of cyclists on the road today - more than on any previous day. Several of these were endtoenders - and because they were travelling south I could feel superior as I had covered more ground than they had. However the one I spoke to expects to reach Lands End next Saturday, about 3 weeks before I finish.

For some reason I haven't seen any St George flags on cars today. Any ideas why?

Tomorrow is a rest day so that there will not be a blog. Walking north again on Monday!

Today's KBW's are:-

Des - Services as support driver and sandwich buyer for the last 5 days. He returns home tomorrow.

Mario - For bringing even more prestige to the KBW award system.

"All walking is discovery. On foot we take time to see things whole." - Hal Borland

Cheers

Keith

Day 38 - Gretna to Lockerbie

When you are at Gretna Green you have got to have a photo outside the Blacksmith's shop - at least that was what I was told!

I just love that name!

The Thomas Carlyle statue in Ecclefechan - the only notable thing to come from the village.

Another good day walking 16 miles from Gretna to Lockerbie again in the company of Graham and John. Although the road shadowed the A46(M) the whole way the scenery was very pleasant and the motorway was not too obtrusive - as it was yesterday. There was also a cycle lane for most of the way. This bodes well as the route for the next 3/4 days also runs parallel to the motorway. I hope to reach Beattock, or just a little further, tomorrow - having decided to delay my rest day until Sunday.

Graham walked with me for the fourth day running, clocking up a total of 66 miles. He is returning home tomorrow to have a rest. He is pleased that he currently holds the support walker long distance record. I think however that he realises that walking LEJOG is actually quite a challenge. John walked with me for the second day and said that he has enjoyed the walking and memories. He has now returned to his caravan in the Lake District for the rest of his holiday. Tomorrow will therefore feel a little strange when I set out on my own.

The weather today was good and I needed to use sun cream this afternoon for the first time for a week.

Although I love the name of Ecclefechan it is in fact a fairly run down place. It has had the heart ripped out of it by the motorway being built next to it which means that it no longer benefits from any through traffic. I was told that it once had 50 shops but there are know only a handful.

Whilst talking to the owner of last night's B&B I said that this must be the most popular time of year for LEJOG'ers. She confirmed that it was and said that she called it the "silly season"- I guess that this put me in my place!

The walk nearly came to an unexpected end tonight. Whilst having a shower I managed to knock the glass soap dish into the bath, where it shattered into pieces. Luckily I managed to suffer only a small nick on my foot - it could have been much worse.

The KBW's for today are:-

Graham - Long service and distance award.

John - Walking and best hat winner

Linda (John's wife) - Services to the retail sector in Carlisle and Gretna, and allowing John to walk with me.

Today's thought for the day is not the usual quote about walking. I thought that it would be appropriate to use a quote from Thomas Carlyle in celebration of my visit to his birthplace in Ecclefechan. As I am sure that you know he lived 1795-1881 and was a historian, essayist and thinker!

"A man without a goal is like a ship without a rudder." - Thomas Carlyle (from Ecclefechan)

Cheers

Keith

Day 37 - Scotland!

Graham and John help me celebrate walking the length of England and into Scotland.

A lot of today's walk was along a new road right next to the M6 motorway.

Father and son on the Eden Bridge, Carlisle over the river Eden.

Today's squad - John, Keith,Graham and driver Des.

After 37 days on the road I have at last reached Gretna Green in Scotland after 557 miles. Reaching the border was certainly the highlight of the walk today as we walked through Carlisle and then next to the M6 for about 9 miles. There was almost a queue to have photos taken by the "Welcome to Scotland" sign - there was a German tourist and 4 motor bikers in front of us, and as we were taking our photos a cyclist from Australia arrived for his turn! He took the photo of the 3 of us.

We were joined today by John Wellman who used to play in the same Sunday football team as me (Padmore Rovers). This led to us reliving our youth and our exploits - perhaps through rose tinted glasses!

Graham was again invaluable with his ability to spot animals. This time the highlight was a roe deer which was about 200 yards away. However the wildlife was not as numerous today because of the terrain that we were walking through.

Thanks to Bob for the info re Gretna Green, especially that it is in Dumfries and Galloway. Which makes a total of 15 counties. Talking of which the latest stats of the walk are:-

31 - Days walked

6 - Rest days

557 - Miles walked

388 - Miles to go (yes it is less than 400 now!)

17 - Average miles per walking day

17 - Beds slept in

1515 - Miles in our car

4837 - Money raised for BHF

19 - People who have walked with me (plus 2 dogs)

12 - Support drivers

85 - Bird species

6 - Mammal species

The KBW's for today;-

Graham - Walking (he has now walked the furthest of any support walkers - 50 miles, and animal charming)

John - Services to walking and reminiscing

Des - Even more support driving services

Bob - Services to research

"Of all exercises walking is the best." - Thomas Jefferson

Cheers

Keith

Day 36 - Approaching Scotland

Cumbria is red squirrel territory, although I haven't seen any yet. I have however seen a squirrel ranger!

The strangely named village of Unthank - see below for an explanation.

An unusual sign outside the University of Cumbria at Newton Rigg. I think that it was marking the coast to coast to cycle route which passes north of Penrith.

Today I was nearly fooled by the BBC weather forecast (not for the first time!) which was for a dry warm day. Armed with this information I was prepared to walk in shorts with my fleece instead of my waterproofs. As can be seen by the photos I luckily changed my plans because it started to rain just before Graham and I set off from Penrith town centre. The weather in fact turned out to be cold with occasional drizzle. One of these showers started just as we reached the village of Newton Reigny which we thought should be renamed Newton Rainy!

We wondered where the village of Unthank got its name from. Not only is it an unusual use of English it is a strange name. Our curiosity was aroused even further when we noticed that there are 3 villages called Unthank on the same OS map. I have researched this and the thought is that the name comes from the Old English "unthances" which means "without leave" so that the villages were founded by squatters. I have not been able to find out where the squatters are thought to be from and why all 3 of the Unthanks in England are so close together. There is apparently another Unthank in Lanarkshire.

We reached the village of Durdar which is 3 miles south of Carlisle. I have dusted down my passport ready to cross the border tomorrow afternoon. We are staying at Gretna Green tomorrow night. I need to research what county that it is in.

The walk today was interrupted for 10 - 15 minutes when I was interviewed over the phone by the Coventry Telegraph who are planning to include an article about the walk. I understand that thanks are due to Gill and Mario who arranged for their PR man to send a pres release to the Telegraph.

Graham displayed his Dr Doolittle talents when he had sheep, horses, cows and a donkey all running towards us as we walked past. We haven't yet worked out a way of making money out of this skill! He also is invaluable in helping me spot birds, with his keen eyesight - he found one tree which contained chaffinch, house sparrow, goldfinch and yellowhammer!

I am delighted that the blog has now had just over 2000 hits in the 3 weeks since the counter was put on to it. This averages almost 100 a day. There must be a lot of you who are interested in my exploits! I will update the stats of the walk in tomorrow's blog.

Today's KBW's are -

Des - Further transport services and keeping Jean from visiting too many craft shops.

Graham - Walking and bird watching services.

"The best remedy for a short temper is a long walk." - Jacqueline Schiff

Cheers

Keith