Kelpies

The forecast across several weather apps promised a dry day so it was an opportunity to recce the walk I’m leading on St Andrew’s Day which this year conveniently falls on a Saturday. It rained on and off the entire day.
My favourite part is the first couple of miles along the Union Canal from Falkirk High train station to the Falkirk Wheel where I had been planning to stop for coffee. It’s now closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, along with the toilets.
This necessitated a brisk walk to the Kelpies four miles ahead. An engaging conversation with two folk from the Scottish Women’s Walking Group, and Dougal, a dog. A picnic lunch in drizzle and a dispiriting conversation with the staff in the Visitor Centre - there’s a problem with lighting and currently the Kelpies remain unlit during the hours of darkness. The whole point of the St Andrew’s Day walk is to see them illuminated at dusk in bright blue. Que rollo.
The 2 mile schlep back into Falkirk via the Lagoon included passing a private house with wildly extravagant outdoor Christmas decorations. People are encouraged to come and see, and make a donation to the Strathcarron Hospice. So if the Kelpies light issue is not resolved by the end of the this will have to do instead.
Despite everything a good day.