Day  11/16           Friday  Sept 1

Hamilton to Crianliach

Distance:        109 (Km) 

Time:     6:47

Average Speed:          16.1 (Km/ hr) 

Ascent:               650 (m). 

Heart Rate:          104 (beats / min). 

Cumulative Distance:           1124 (km) 

Cumulative Ascent :           10,030 (m) 

Punctures so far : 0

Another satisfying day on the bike and into new territory.

Sun up just after 6:00 and I had bike loaded and ready to roll from Arran House. Coldish as I moved off but forecast was for it to warm up. The streets here in Hamilton were surprisingly busy but I suppose it is only 18km from the centre of Glasgow. The cycle paths were on the footpath and I had to be extra wary as I moved on through Blantyre and Cambuslang on then to Rutherglen (An Rua Gleann). 

After Rutherglen I cycled through a stretch that was less than impressive but all changed when I crossed over the Clyde on the stylish bridge and turned left.

Now I cycled through a riverside park with early risers walking, running and up for early training in the boat club. The surface was rough in spots and showing the effect of bulging roots.

Passed by St Andrew’s Suspension bridge built in 1855 replacing a busy ferry for crossing workers.

No shortage of bridges here in the centre of Glasgow, old and new. A curved pedestrian one like the Peace Bridge in Derry. Glasgow with a population of over 2 million voted strongly to Remain in the Brexit referendum and is Scotland’s largest economy.

My route kept me riverside eventually arriving at the Event Campus with the OvoHydro (a 12,000 seated indoor event arena opened in 2013) and nearby the Armadillo (formerly known as the Clyde Auditorium). And the North Rotunda built in 1890. It covered a 24 m shaft to a tunnel under the Clyde. A corresponding South Rotunda on the other side.

Much new architecture all along here ((Glasgow to Dumbarton) on land that that was formerly devoted to shipbuilding. But some ship repair still being done and even in new developments ship-building Titan cranes are preserved to respect the heritage.

Leaving Glasgow I was on an old Rail Trail right out as far as Clydebank. Here I came across the International Asbestos Memorial, 5 metallic blocks polished to a high shine with the names of known victims from the area. But the inscription mentions ‘For all those known and unknown’.

Yesterday I mentioned I had some issues with the back brakes. I thought I had it rectified yesterday evening but the squealing started again early on today. In Clydebank (around 9am, I hailed a passing person if they knew of a bike-shop in the locality. Didn’t know of one offhand but out he takes his phone, checks for bike shops in the vicinity, found one and then gave me detail directions to it. Very helpful. I found the shop, DM Bikes, just a little off my route. I explained my problem the young man there (Dave Maxwell, the DM) and he had the bike up on the stand pronto. Tried every possible remedy but nothing worked. He himself was baffled. Finally he fitted a new set of brakes and we had total silence. In all of his work he explained helpfully to me what he was doing and trying. I had the problem remedied and a tutorial all in one. I didn’t catch every word he said, what with the Glasgow accent and all. I was there an hour between work and chat, but an hour well spent. Thanks Dave, you’re a gent.

Had a snack afterwards as I had over 32 km done since breakfast. Within a short while I picked up the Forth and Clyde Canal trail at the Big Bike (Bankies Bike) which mysteriously lost its saddle in August 2022.

I followed that canal towpath for 7 km till it meets the Clyde in Bowling. Then another 6km on a trail right into Dumbarton on the river Leven, the river that empties Loch Lomond into the Clyde. Just downstream on a high perch stood Dumbarton Rock, a volcanic plug with Dumbarton Castle where William Wallace was held after his insurrection.

Again a lovely riverside trail from there right up to Balloch at the most southerly point of Loch Lomond. Balloch is the most popular boarding point for lake cruises. A busy touristy town even at this early hour.

I got my first glimpse of Loch Lomond at 11:30 at Duck Bay. Looked lovely and already looked forward to cycling up along its western shore, all 33km of it. So fortunate that weather and visibility were in my favour. Loch Lomond is only the 3rd largest lake in UK after Lough Neagh and Lough Erne. It contains 30 islands and is deeper at the northern end.

However for the next 10km I was disappointed. The bike path drifted away from the water, separated from the lake by big estates and walls and dense woodland.

However at the picturesque preserved lakeside village of Luss all changed. From here on I got what I came for….cycle path along by the lakeside (the motorists weren’t as fortunate many times). And I had this track all to myself; I could even stop and go down to water’s edge. Beautiful all about…silence and sunny.

Just after 80km I came to Tarbet, another busy spot. Cycling conditions changed here. No more cycle tracks or hard shoulder. For 12km I was on the main twisty carriageway. Fortunately I was using my larger mirror today (reckoned I’d need it especially in central Glasgow) and I could keep an eye on any build up behind. In that case I just pulled in any chance I got.

At Ardlui I knew that today’s stiffest ascent would begin. The road widened and got quieter. The final 12km was all uphill but not too taxing. The legs are stronger now than they were during those early days in Cornwall. And along here I have passed into Stirling.

I was now moving up into the Highlands. Mountains towering about me. And their names are sounding familiar…Binn Glas. I’ll enjoy seeing the close relationship between the two languages.

And then Crianlarich comes into view, my accommodation for tonight. Crianlarich. A small place but it is the junction of two military roads and of two railways. And popular with hillwalkers. 

Crianlarich prides itself asThe Gateway to the Highlands. That all awaits for tomorrow’s adventure.

Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.