Friday 17th September
Destination: Lockerbie
After a morning walk, the sheep farmer continues with his animal round up. His collies work hard to get the sheep under control, but they are complete masters and work in harmony with their owner.
We now aim to travel through Glasgow and reach Lockerbie by the end of the day. However, there is time for a short morning walk into the countryside nearby before setting off once more.
At first, we make good headway along the ‘Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond’ (according to the song!). However, we came to a grinding halt just after Arnburn, after going three quarters the length of the Loch. This was the end of an approximate 17 mile tailback from the Erskine Bridge over the Clyde. If there was a ‘higher road’ and we knew about the traffic jam in advance, then we would have taken it. But this was the ‘low’ road and in this direction there would be plenty of people in Glasgow ‘afore yee’.
But, was it the only road? A quick check on the Ordnance Survey app revealed there was an alternative route from Arden, going through Helensburgh.
We take the next right and in so doing, avoid much of the traffic. It’s a bit slow-going after Helensburgh but at least we’re moving and rejoin our original route further south on the city outskirts.
Erskine bridge comes into view and we cross the mighty River Clyde. Then we realise we are going to hit another traffic jam, so we decide to come off at Larkhill, along a sideroad and rejoin at Kirkmuirhill. Unfortunately, we take a wrong turn and end up heading east towards Lanark!
We eventually navigate back and continue south. On the way, we contact a campsite to enquire if they have any pitches, but are fully booked. Nearing the Lockerbie turn-off, however, we come across Annandale Services, which is a delightful spot and includes its own duck pond. We find out we can park here overnight for £13, which includes the use of their showers. To stay overnight in their motel is £48 for 2 adults (not including breakfast).
