Friday 20 June - Arrochar to Glasgow

I had a terrible nights sleep. Tossed and turned, irritated by the midges bites and just had trouble sleeping. Interesting that I had the same poor nights sleep after hiking Stac Polliadh.

I took the opportunity to pack my suitcase as much as possible, putting souvenirs and gifts in where it might work for my trip home. And it showed me I don't have much space left in my bag. I should manage to get it all in, just. I also worked out I don't quite have enough clean clothes to get me on the plane. I will need to wash a couple of things when I'm at Kelly and Will's.

I made the most of the late check out and utilised the WIFI access to research a few things I can do today. It's not that far to Colin and Katies from here. I am a little sore after yesterday's hike, but I don't want to sit around, I think the best option is to keep my muscles moving.

After checking out of the Arrochar Hotel I drove a little way along Loch Long to Garelochhead, and stopped at a café called 'The Perch'. This café has very high ratings / reviews and it didn't disappoint. The atmosphere was lovely, the staff were great, and the food was delicious. This was my first breakfast out whilst on holiday. Mostly I have either not had breakfast, eaten a small breakfast bar, or there were a few accommodations that provided breakfast. So, it was quite the treat, and I very much enjoyed it.
Plus, I took delight in seeing the several people who were in the café with their dogs.

From here I meandered my way further south along the coast, back up towards Loch Lomond, then found myself at Mugdock Country Park. I found a parking space in the shade and set off for a gentle walk around the parkland. I had my book in my backpack, and I found a lovely spot … a picnic table at the edge of a small open area where the sun was creating dappled light around the edges, the birds were happily chirping and every now and again there was a gentle breeze.

After a peaceful time reading I did some more walking, mostly in the shaded areas I could find, trying to keep out of the hot sun (it was about 27 in Glasgow today). Then I bought myself a drink and a rhubarb & cherry slice at one of the cafes and sat in a shaded area enjoying more of the warmth of the day. From here it was a short drive to Colin and Katies.

Lovely hugs and a warm welcome from them both and meeting Elise (13) and Megan (11) was a delight. They have such a beautiful, light, open home here in Bearsden, Glasgow. We spent the late afternoon catching up and then walked to a lovely newly opened Japanese restaurant Okome. The food was wonderful, fresh and tasty. On the walk home, Megan chatted with me about all sorts of things including her passion for writing, and the book Katie and Elsie had made of her stories and poems. She is quite the character and easy to chat with.