TraceysTrek

Best bits: realising I have almost finished

Worst bits: engine warning light!

Distance: 18.1 miles

Days to the finish: 7

It was another atmospheric morning with the mist hanging low over Loch Long.

Today I was walking along the road where we were once diverted following an accident at Luss. That time it was complete gridlock along the road as all of the traffic from the A82 was trying to get up and down this very narrow road.

The spiders had been out again today, creating beautiful webs.

I walked past Ardmay house which was where the boys went for a week with primary school to do outdoor activities.

There wasn’t much to see along the road as the mist came down again, however this little white house peaked through the mist for a short while.

Eventually, the sun started to burn off the mist and I could see the hills on the other side.

After about 4 miles, Kiara met me and we had a cup of tea and a Tunnocks tea cake. Our next stop would be at Garelochhead.

But first I had to walk past the Finnart Oil Terminal.

These huge oil storage tanks are built into the hillside and are connected by pipelines to the Grangemouth Refinery on the east coast. The terminal was constructed by the U.S. Navy during WW2 to provide a secure, deepwater site for fuel delivery, which was safe from Luftwaffe attacks. 

Eventually, after a steep climb, I could see down into Garelochead and Faslane the Royal Navy base which is home to the UK’s nuclear-armed Trident submarines.

Lunch stop was at The Perch, a family run, dog friendly cafe/restaurant.

It was a long walk around the side of Faslane and obviously photography was not allowed. The Faslane Peace camp has been occupied continuously since 12 June 1982.

Sometimes people just can’t decide which is which.

Eventually, I came into Helensburgh the end point for today.

It was only when I looked across the Clyde and could see the cranes at Greenock Dock that I realised that was where I walked on day two.

Suddenly the realisation dawned on me that I was really almost home and almost finished. My excitement grew and I was bouncing as I was walking with renewed energy and a massive cheesy grin on my face.

Kiara was waiting for me and took me back to Arrochar to collect Priscilla. Unfortunately, Priscilla was showing an engine light warning on the dashboard. I hoped that we would be able to complete the journey.

The decision today was to drive to Helensburgh or drive the extra 20 miles home! Guess which I chose?

My neighbours saw me pulling up on the drive and came out to greet me and give me hugs.