Sometimes, people are more inspiring than they themselves realise. This last week, we were visited by David and his friend and helper James. David is in his early 60s. He was a headmaster in Yorkshire but is now retired. He used to be involved in all sorts of sports and even used to participate in competitive fell-running.

In recent years he has been diagnosed with a neuropathy that slowly wastes the muscles below the knee. He has a specially adapted car and rides, as he can only do now, an E-Bike.

Whilst here he successfully completed the Big Country Route, a 35 mile cross-country route which is almost all on forest tracks. This is an amazing achievement. Even for an able-bodied person it is hard work.

Although challenging, the Big Country Route is spectacular, with jaw-dropping scenery and a quiet isolation that is only possible in areas like this. There are plenty of ups and downs.

Very well done David & James.

Oh my, it’s so unfriendly having to wear masks and gloves when dealing with people. I really hate it, but we have to do it just now.

Pleeeaaaaase lets have a vaccine soon.

There are so few people about that even the slow worms are laying on top of the undergrowth – this was at Kirroughtree on the yellow waymarked trail – only the second one I’ve ever seen.

There is an off-road route, ostensibly based from Glentrool visitor’s centre, which passes not far from The Stables, so is easily picked up in Newton Stewart. You can then either choose to take the detour to the Glentrool visitor’s centre (making 36.1 miles) or leave that out (making 35 miles). This is the route map. (click for bigger version). This version does not include a trip to the visitor’s centre.

A PDF map and description from Forestry and Land Scotland is available for download at : GlentroolBigCountryRoute

A gpx file is also available for download : Bigcountryroute.gpx

Fay and I went up Cairsmore of Fleet yesterday. 4.7 miles drive from The Stables, and a lovely walk to get the heart and lungs working.

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Unfortunately no visitors to see them 🙁

A 3.8 meter drop, matching pattern and slopping ceiling. Plus difficult ladder placement ? but generally successful operation. Fay in charge of technical methodology, Dane in charge of ‘working at height’ operations ?? I think the light fitting needs an upgrade now.

oh, and a new bannister too ?

After a small leak, and damage to the dining room ceiling, we decided to do a bit of extra decorating.

This is the new paintwork and wallpaper in the dining room: