Distance: 27km
I woke up this morning to find a little gift had been left for me outside the tent. It’s a crochet bee with the words “I’m not lost. Just alone. If I made you smile, please take me home”. It did make me smile. I wear a necklace with very similar words inscribed on it (excluding the take me home part!). I didn’t take it with me…my bag is full and heavy enough. I hope somebody sees it in the bathroom, where I carefully stowed it, and does take it home with them. It was a magical little way to begin the day.
I was working hard to see the positives this morning. With little change in the conditions of yesterday there wasn’t a heap of anticipatory excitement going on. Around the half way mark I spied a huge Tesco supermarket just off the track, the words “Cafe” glinting at me like a beacon. I spent an enjoyable hour having a toasted ham and cheese sandwich (but the cheese was melted on the outside of the sandwich!), seasoned fries, coffee and a Coke, whilst overlooking the bustling shoppers from its upstairs vantage point.
This did make me laugh. This dog is the sigil for Linlithgow, but obviously someone decided to have a little fun with it!
The hike become a little more interesting after the break. First, a huge underground tunnel (630m long) moodily lit, dripping with both water and atmosphere. Next, a shorter tunnel (180m long), but emitting more of a party atmosphere with lights of blue, green and pink. Finally, the mighty Falkirk Wheel, a huge, elegant boat lift which uses precise weights of water to lift boats up and down from the basin to the aqueduct canal, a distance of 24 metres.
It’s a bit of a carnival atmosphere with cafes, shops and rides for the kids. I enjoy more fries and another drink. If I can’t do it now, when can I do it?
Thats one way of getting boats into and out of the water!
On reaching Bonnybridge I stop into the shop to get a small amount of food and then continue on, hot on the hunt for a suitable wild campsite. I had scoped something out on a map and tentatively made my way towards it. Through a broken fence, but that’s ok isn’t it?
I reach the site and it looks ok. Private. Not annoying anybody. Hard to be seen. Potentially overlooking a prison. (I’m not actually sure what the building is, probably manufacturing, but it just gives prison like vibes). A random dog walker passed me earlier and didn’t seem concerned. So, I assume I’m good. Tent is set up and ready to go. At least it’s a lot quieter than it was last night! And I have just a little bottle of wine to calm my nerves. I’m sure it’ll be fine.
The “prison” is about 150m away….
This article was originally published on The Trek which can be found here
Can almost see that Falkirk Wheel on Kingston Pier! Unfortunately, it probably doesn’t operate in sea wave conditions….
Very interesting day! Good to hear you found things to smile about! I spotted your tent in that forest glade on the satellite picture – hope it was as restful as it looks peaceful xx