L2L Day 66 Strathblane to Drymen - 11 miles

On realising yesterday evening that we only had an easy going 10 miles today, we treated ourselves to a relaxed breakfast and then we enjoyed ourselves even more saying goodbyes to all the various unsuspecting parties we'd said hello to the previous day. Neil got a chance to practice his Portuguese again and even got talking to another couple on their honeymoon. Honestly! ..there is no stopping this man!

After purchasing a lunch of the requisite Scotch Pies we set off at about 11 and made our way through Blanefield and along the line of the old railway to join the WHW at Dumgoyach Bridge.

After yesterday's purchase of Neil's new rain jacket, I realised I'd have to keep a close eye on him in case he disappeared in camouflage!!


The trail seemed to have many more walkers than the last time I walked in 2022.


At about half way we decided to visit the Glengoyne Distillery and of course as Neil justified at the time, it was at least after midday so we could squeeze in a wee tasting. 



Very nice too.

Back on the trail and in steady drizzle we walked another few miles before reaching Turnip the Beet cafe where we had a lovely chat with Sandrine - a textile artist from Amsterdam.


Revived after a coffee, shared Bakewell and a very interesting chat we arrived at Drymen  - a village green surrounded by pubs.


Is this what heaven looks like??

Neil and I had booked in to different hotels - so of course, they both had to be sampled!! There's a lovely fun atmosphere here with a combination of locals and walkers. The place was humming. We eventually got a table at The Winnock and met up with a few of the walkers we'd met during the day and then went over the The Clachan where we met Sandrine again and two other walkers from Holland, Lineke and Jacolein who'd only arrived today.


We reckoned the Dutch must have a longing for hills so come to Scotland to satisfy their thirst.
After a good supper, good chats, a couple of drams and the prospect of a longer walk tomorrow it was definitely 'Slaap Lekker!!'

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