Slockavulin to Lambhill
After a relaxing stop at Meadow Camping an early start was made, with very few people to be seen. Good progress was made on about 12 miles of flat cycling, first on NCR 78 including the Crinan Canal towpath then on the A78 towards Tarbert. A few miles from Tarbert it becomes hilly and hard work. At the ferry terminal in Tarbert there should have been a prominent notice that when the ferry is not running (the situation this morning), the replacement for passengers leaves from a pontoon at the other side of Tarbert. The replacement boat took both me and my bike and reached an impressive speed on the calm water.
Following advice from a fellow passenger and local, Sandra’s at the lovely Tighnabruaich was the place for good coffee (roasted in the village), a tasty light lunch and delicious cheese scones for picnic stops. A free paper map supplied and used to explain the best route to Dunoon by my waiter (who was a cyclist) made this the perfect stop.
The route to Dunoon was arduous but there were good views particularly at high elevations and some long unbroken descents to enjoy.
Arrival at the ferry terminal in Dunoon was just in time to catch a ferry to Gourock, and then follow NCR 75 (but in a short section NCR 753). In places a dedicated surface for cyclists had dashed lines to mark its centre. The cycling was flat to Greenock then there was significant climbing to reach a converted disused railway line running parallel to the Firth of Clyde which was looking blue today. Shade from the trees was effective and welcome in the very warm early evening.
A pub meal at Carriages supplied needed fuel and rest when the distance covered today had reached about 65 miles. Cycling from Gourock was all about being patient and saving energy.
Closer to Glasgow, with route diversions in place and some signs misleading, help with directions was needed and on one occasion a kind driver let me follow him out of a park until the NCR signs were picked up again. It remained warm and with pubs packed late with Scotland v Brazil on TVs, many people were out and about, and with lots of noise it felt more like a holiday resort than a week night in Glasgow. Not all of the helpers seemed sober. Getting to Lambhill was a mixture of walking with the bike, bits of NCR use and cycling on quiet roads. Failed attempts were made to access known paths by waterways, for example when a flight of steps was encountered and not risked with a loaded bike. My route was not recorded but did include more than one complete loop!