Lanark

Today A had a rendez-vous of librarians in Lanark, so she gave me and my bike a lift. This gave me the chance to Turf the whole of Lanark, including the River Clyde path to New Lanark. If you've not heard of this, it's Scotland's Saltaire, and was the scene for efforts create a better environment for 19th century textile workers by the Utopian socialist, Robert Owen, whose philosophy inspired the co-operative movement. New Lanark is also a collection of fine stone buildings in a beautiful valley! Upstream of New Lanark are the Falls of Clyde. I'd seen the lower falls before, but not the upper falls. They are quite the most impressive river falls I've seen in the UK (see extra).

Before leaving Lanark, I went around Lanark Loch (see extra) where I learned that Lanark hosted Scotland's first international aviation meeting (in 1910). Quote of the day was that "the organisers reserved six beds at St Mary's Hospital, but luckily they were not needed." Indeed, it was also the first major air show in the world where no-one was killed or seriously injured!

I'd planned to cycle home, passing through Carstairs - an eerie place, where the presence of Scotland's State (Criminal Psychiatric) Hospital hangs heavily - and then Carnwath and West Linton. However, I was ahead of time and the light was good so, on leaving Carnwath, I decided to go back via Edinburgh, allowing me to enjoy the wonderful late afternoon light on the west side of the Pentlands (see extra). It's a lot further, and I didn't fancy crossing the Pentlands as it went dark - I have lights, but they are poor - so I continued into Edinburgh, having the excitement of going in on the Water of Leith walkway in the dark, having never been on it before! I then switched to the Union Canal towpath - the presence of Turf zones on these arteries was no coincidence! It was delightful, as they've put tiny solar-powered lights each side of the tow path - to reduce the numbers of cyclists riding into the canal, I guess! Eventually I hit the streets, and made my weary way home via Loanhead. Eight hours, 105km and 113 Turf zones!