I felt well supported as I had a large crew with me as Poppy and I set off from the Beatson. Representatives from the charities I am supporting, friends and family and of course dogs. Molly in the morning and Susie in the afternoon. As we stretched out I modified my pace to ensure I chatted to as many people as possible as they had all made a tremendous effort to walk with me.
As the day progressed and the miles clicked up people began to depart. Initially we were 14, then 11, and only 9 for the final push across the Erskine bridge. I thought to myself that this was a sign of things to come?
What a massive boost to our spirits as we approached Calders garden centre and a choir was singing I would walk 500 miles. Amazing I joined in singing and dancing and giving everyone a heartfelt hug. It was brilliantly uplifting.
The afternoon saw more departures and two new members joined us Phil and Judith, now were 5.
When planning the walk I elected to take a slightly longer route along the canal in the morning rather than along the Great Western Road. That was a good move because once we crossed the Erskine Bridge the afternoon it was all road walking. Mostly at the side of the busy unrelenting traffic of the A8. The path was narrow making us walk in single file and the noise of the traffic meant it was difficult to hold a conversation. The strong draft as vans and lorries passed us was a further assault on our senses and at times a concern for our safety.
The contrast between the quiet scenic walk along the canal in the morning and the noise of the afternoon was stark. The canal was lined with trees and bushes in their autumnal glory and swans and other birds floated past. The road walking however was brutal in all ways including on my feet and blisters began to develop.
Sara was giving us a countdown to the number of kilometres left to walk. That was initially fun but soon we realised that our final stop was further than what I had planned. We had to get to the other side of Port Glasgow to meet Priscilla and the rest of our crew!! It was starting to get dark but finally we left the side of the A8 into the wooded area of the shoreline and the remnants of the timber ponds, apparently known locally as ‘the stabs’. Of course I wanted to take photos of these beautiful views. After all I need to enjoy the scenery and soak up the atmosphere of my walk and this was one of the best views of the day.
I would have stayed longer but dusk was upon us. I was glad I packed a head torch! And had some high viz arm bands.
We could see the lights of Port Glasgow glistening in the distance teasing us but slowly they got brighter as we got closer.
Our legs were heavy as we walked into a housing estate. I think we were all a bit fatigued and delirious with the occasional burst of hysterical laugher, trying to put a brave face on and keep going. I struggled to climb onto a low wall, Phil pushed me up and Danny caught me as I fell backwards. Phew, just made it.
The view of the gates of the James Watt Dock marina with Dave and Steve walking towards us was a welcome sight indeed. We made it! A very welcome hot shower and fish and chips and I felt a bit more human again.
Miles:
Steps:
Elevation:
Best bits: feeling supported and honoured by the initial turnout and those who stuck it out and walked with me. Taking in the view of the timber ponds at dusk.
Worst bits: the sensory assault of the A8
Leave a Reply