Through Glasgow to Loch Lomond–Day Twelve

~ jennaleight1

We started on a damp morning from Abington, where we had stayed at the Abington Hotel, as did Napoleon III in 1839. Well maybe not stayed there, but at least sat in a chair that was on display. A large coach party was staying at the hotel for six days, with resulting chaos, but we managed to eat early and get away before they descended on the dining room.

Abington
Abington

We started on the same road as yesterday; stopped briefly to put on rain gear (though a light rain), and then found the B road on the route. Through some towns, including Larkhall, and a few hills later, we found the cycle route to Glasgow.

Leaving, or entering, Larkhall
Leaving, or entering, Larkhall
At the start of the cycle path to Glasgow
At the start of the cycle path to Glasgow

It begins eight miles from Glasgow, along the River Clyde, which was beautiful and serene in parts, with lots of wild garlic, industrial in other parts, and at one point we saw a car in the river. Still, a fantastic way to approach a large city, avoiding all of the traffic and potential navigational pitfalls.

On the way to Glasgow, next to the River Clyde
On the way to Glasgow, next to the River Clyde

The cycle route continues all the way through the city, through Glasgow Green, one of the oldest public parks in Scotland. We stopped to eat yesterday’s sandwiches at The People’s Palace, where we got very nice cake from their cafe. It was dry by now, but was feeling decidedly chilly, so we didn’t linger long.

St. Andrews suspension bridge
St. Andrews suspension bridge
Another view
Another view

At the front of The People’s Palace is this terracotta fountain, apparently not only the largest but also the best example of a terracotta fountain in the world. That is the back of Queen Victoria on the top, but was the best view. I thought she should have been turned around, facing out from the People’s Palace.

Doulton Fountain, largest terracotta fountain in the world
Doulton Fountain, largest terracotta fountain in the world
The other side says "Let Glasgow Flourish" as does the teracotta sculpture
The other side says “Let Glasgow Flourish” as does the teracotta sculpture

As this seemed to be a bit of a sculpture day, I also photographed this small one that was near the picnic area where we ate. There is also a very high column that commemorates Nelson’s victories. The Scots seem to have some fondness for Nelson. We have seen other monuments to him in our short sojourn here.

Bankies Bike, in Clydesbank, on the cycle path
Bankies Bike, in Clydesbank, on the cycle path. I had to prevent husband from climbing up onto the seat. Potential disaster I thought.

From Glasgow, the National Cycle Network does a tremendous job, continuing with the cycle path all the way to Loch Lomond, another 20 miles. For part of it, we were cycling along the Forth and Clyde Canal. We saw this swan (below) transfixed with the other swan that is its reflection. It was pecking away at the window, presumably protecting its mate and nest, which were just a bit further down the canal. We did wonder how long it would continue; perhaps until someone came home and turned on a light or did something to chase away the phantom swan.

The first swan we saw
The first swan we saw
And it's mate, patiently waiting on the nest, the Forth and Clyde Canal
And its mate, patiently waiting on the nest, the Forth and Clyde Canal

It was a beautiful ride today, mostly away from traffic. The cycle route did a lot of turning and twisitng, so not for those in a hurry. But for us, two leisure cyclists seeing the country, it was perfect.

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