TraceysTrek

Best bits: closing the loop, arriving at the start point

Worst bits: long day, Wills sore hip

Distance: 22 miles

Days to finish: 2

It was an early start this morning — I had to make up for yesterday’s lost miles, which meant a full day of walking ahead. We estimated around twenty-two miles to cover, so Greg kindly drove us to Helensburgh to begin. On the way, we spotted snow dusting the top of Ben Lomond, and I couldn’t help but feel relieved that we weren’t climbing it today!

Greg dropped Will and me off in Helensburgh, and we set off along the roadside. Most of the morning was spent on tarmac, though thankfully, there was a pavement almost the whole way.

When we finally saw the sign for Weston Dunbartonshire, excitement bubbled up — we were really getting close to home now.

The weather had threatened rain all day, and it delivered a steady drizzle for most of the morning. We crossed the River Leven before stopping at Greggs in Dumbarton for a much-needed warm-up: soup and sausage rolls never tasted so good.

After a brief detour due to major infrastructure works, we found our way back to the river, following an old railway line that led us into Bowling Basin.

We stopped there for a cup of tea and a rest — Will’s hip was giving him some grief. The staff were lovely, and even some of the customers kindly made donations. Their warmth really lifted our spirits.

From there, we joined the Clyde Canal, which we’d follow for the rest of the day.

I was thrilled when the Erskine Bridge came into view — that marked the actual closure of my loop around Britain. We’d crossed the same bridge on the very first day of the walk, and seeing it again felt deeply symbolic. I stopped to take a photo, capturing that powerful full-circle moment.

We carried on into Clydebank, where we met up again with Greg and Poppy for another cup of tea. Poppy had been to the groomers and looked gorgeous — quite the contrast to her usual scruffy walking look!

Will decided to call it a day and went back with Greg and Poppy, while I carried on alone along the canal. This stretch was now familiar territory, and I found myself really soaking it in — the reflections on the water, the stillness of the air, the golden light of the setting sun. The sky turned a soft orange, mirrored perfectly in the canal, and I felt both peaceful and emotional.

By the time I reached Anniesland, the others were waiting for me to walk the final mile together. We passed the iconic gasometers.

Then we made our way through a wooded area where Poppy was ambushed by a playful young spaniel, darting circles around her. From there, we continued down Great Western Road and into the grounds of Gartnavel Hospital — the endpoint not just for today’s walk, but for my entire journey around Britain.

We’ll return here on Friday for the official finish, crossing the line at the Beatson Charity office, but standing there this evening, I felt the quiet satisfaction of completion.

After such a long day, exhaustion hit quickly. Will’s hip was sore, and I was ready for nothing more than a shower, food, a glass of wine, and an early night.

Tomorrow, the countdown to the official finish begins — but tonight, I’ll rest knowing the loop has finally been closed.