Day 10 - Abington to Loch Lomond

Now when I say Loch Lomond I mean the very top of it, which took todays mileage to 85 miles. Our longest ride of the trip. Our day started with a traditional cooked breakfast at the service station to get filled on some much needed fuel.

It was a colder morning today and we needed an extra top on to keep the chill off. There was a distant mist and clouds were slowly swallowing the mountain peaks. After yesterday we were both finding it hard to get going. But soon the countryside started to unfold in front of us. A small flock of little birds flew about us and just in front of our bikes as we cycled along. A lovely start to the day.

Our first downhill section was soon with us. But would you believe it, the same rubbish road surface slowed us down to around 5 miles per hour. We were banking on the downhill to help us get miles in quickly. These roads kept appearing. It does make me wonder whar would happen if Scotland went independent, who would pay for their roads then? On the flip side we have seen lots of new schools including some huge primary schools that would put our secondary schools to shame. Looks like their money is in education.

The first big place of the day was Glasgow riding some on road and some on cycle paths. And so far Glasgow wins for good cycle paths allowing us to maintain good progress. We decided to stop at the library only to have their security 'more than my jobs worth' guard come rushing out and tell us to remove our bikes which I could only take as his traditional welcome. I tried to make small talk but he was having none of it he stormed off flailing his arms about make huge gestures and remarks with big words. Impressive. I only stopped to ask if there was a toilet we could use.

Relief was provided with a stop at a Hilton hotel. Very welcoming and only too happy to let us use their facilities. Thank you Hilton.

Onwards to Loch Lomond where once again the cycle path was excellent. We also found a track running most of the length of the lock keeping us off that very busy road. Part way along the path we stopped for a snack while watching someone lock up his boat for the day. What a perfect setting it was. After this chap had tied his boat up we watched him walk back to his car, jump in, and drive off down the driveway of the next house. That's odd we thought, that's not the way to the road. We watched as he turned his car at the end of the drive a park up. How lazy was that?!? Holly burst into fits of giggles and laughed most of the remainder of the journey.

Our bed for the night is at the Drovers Inn. It's been a pub for the last 300 years but the building has stood for 150 years before that. Very much a recommended stop.