You may probably have noticed a distinct lack of turf blogs this past fortnight. This is not due to me being away on an across-the-galaxy space cruise, nor is it due to me being abducted by the evil goblins that dwell under the McDonalds at Tesco, Eskbank. Yes, evil goblins will actually eat a McDonalds! Furthermore, it is not for the want of blogging, it’s just that I’m struggling, yet again and not for the first time, to find something to write a turf blog about. At least anything beyond a brief paragraph. But, before we continue, I’ll just point out that the bike repair station in the photo above is at Fisherrow harbour in Musselburgh. Just thought I’d share that. Hmm, I may have done that already?
TurfZone- MugdockCastle
So, what can I turf blog about on the remainder of this page? Hmm, good question. Ah, yes, short breaks away. ChoccyMuffin and myself spent a few days in Milngavie north of Glasgow, staying at the Premier Inn, which I must say isn’t very premier. But to be fair the room was clean and dry just far too hot, the windows would only open a few inches and could have done with air-conditioning. It was sweltering around 28 Degrees inside most days. We took the Brompton’s with us and pedalled about the area picking off zones here there and everywhere. Quite a lot of interest with the remans of the Antonine Wall nearby.
Mugdock country park was very nice but the trails were somewhat rough and just about the limit the poor wee Brompton’s could cope with, they and our poor backsides as well. Another day was spent at Strathblane, turfing the few zones in the town, eating scones in The Coffee House cafe in the main street and following the Strathkelvin railway path to Lennoxtown and back. The route is noted as both the John Muir Way and National Cycle Network NCN 755. Also found a couple of bricks along the way, a CANNERTON from the brickworks of the same name once located at Bonnybridge. The other was only a partial half-brick but turned out to be a PATENT WILSON & SON GLASGOW.
Turf Zone – CuningarLoop
On other days we turfed the Summerston area of Glasgow, which was, shall we say, interesting. On our final day we visited the Cuningar Loop, and explored the surrounding area, following paths along the River Clyde. We can recommend some good places to eat if you find yourself turfing in the Bearsden area. One was The Burnbrae, Milngavie Rd, Bearsden, which was visited twice and the other was The Tickled Trout, a mile or so to the west of Bearsden. Both were very enjoyable. I would not recommend the West Highland Gate which is attached to the Premier Inn, though we only used it for breakfast. We are off to Ayr for our next turf-away trip.
Turf Zone – Cuningar
To finish. My efforts towards completing the Edinburgh Roon, a mission to take 140 zones in alphabetical order, seems to have stalled at 68 takes. And that delay means I’ve lost out on any of the medals on offer, the Gold, Silver and Bronze, though a Finisher medal can still be achieved. Must really try to drum up some oomph to get cracking again. Back soon, I hope.
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