From my humble gaff in Cessnock, it's a hop across the motorway and through the enchanted Pollok Country Park (what a way to start a cycle!)for the catapult train to Barrhead. At my age (and with my wisdom) a little push on a long ride goes a long way. At any rate, I love trains, and they are always empty when I set out (around 10-11am). They are, moreover, pretty reasonably priced. And considering the size and spread of Glasgow's urban rail network, it's a pretty good way to extend your home range.The train from the idyllic Pollokshaws West train station (just at the south-eastern entrance of the park) to Barrhead takes roughly 15 minutes...
The only tricky part here is entering Irvine. Keep your eyes peeled for signs to the train station. It's pretty well marked but it can get a little confusing as we try to negotiate the Industrial quarter and its roundabouts and flyovers...
From the Gateside Road looking south. The little green mound in the distance is Knockmade plantation which we will skirt around in a wee while...
Just past the curiously named Spunkie farm (just outside Uplawmoor), a bench of serenity being overtaken by the verge... this road is quiet quiet quiet!!!
Up close & personal - Knockmade plantation, or is it 'wood'?
Llama at Linnhead!
Looking back (north) towards the wooded knoll of Knockenae Plantation with Neilston Pad barely visible on its right.
A rare female cyclist passing the Smuggler's Inn as we pass through Stewarton.
The lovely little town of Kilmaurs, whose loveliness has sadly been destroyed by too many roads and too many cars passing through it.
A wet and dreich Kilmaurs.
All in all, a beautiful route, made even beautifuller if you've got a tailwind. Some exquisite back-roads that haven't seen a car in yonks! And some interesting little towns (Uplawmoor, Stewarton, Kilmaurs..., even Irvine once you get past the ring-road!)
No comments:
Post a Comment