John O'Groats to Lands End

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JOGLE route - Crianlarich to Old Kilpatrick (Dumbarton)

Day 8 of my end to end cycle ride

Loch Lomand Scotland
Taking time out on the banks of Loch Lomond

It was with a new heart I started off from Crianlarich, I was ready to roll and the bike was almost taking me along every bit of road. As it happened, this was to be one of the easiest days cycling for me; the weather was just right and there far more descents than ascents. In fact 'it was all downhill today!

Although it was pretty much a softer day, it was tinged with sadness. I knew this would be the last day of seeing the mountains, something I relish and what I hadn't seen before was behind me.

The road all the way to Tarbet is pretty narrow, but the first few miles are straight and you can build up quite a momentum. Before I knew it I was beside Loch Lomond and it was more beautiful than I'd ever expected it to be. Finding a 'comfort stop' I stumbled accross a very sheltered spot and sat for a good half hour just recalling some of the moments I'd had over the first week - couldn't find a bad bit anywhere!

Onward I went and upon entering Tarbet found the Cycle Path which would take me down to Alexandria at the southernmost tip of the Loch. Unlike Loch Ness, both the road and cycle path go right alongside the water almost at the same level the whole way, the path takes you alongside a Golf Course, around tiny bends (remember to ring your bell, I nearly had someone!).

Upon reaching Alexandria, it's just a few hundred meters before you pick up National Cycle Route 7 leading you on to 754, your easy route through Glasgow

I was staying with some kind people I know from the Forum at their home in Dumbarton, so they kindly picked me up in their car just below the massive Erskine Bridge.

A great time was had by all, I was pretty awake from my easier day and we chatted until the early hours.

The next day though was to be the first day where I had not booked anything ahead, so this made for a slightly nervous night and a few leg cramps as well. But all thanks to Alex, Annie and Annie's Mother who entertained me so well. Gems !

Cafe on Loch Lomond
Coffee stop not far short of Tarbet

Cycle Path Loch Lomond
The Cycle Path starts at Tarbet and more or less takes you the other side of Glasgow!

View from the southernmost part of Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond from the South

Clydebank Cycle Path near Loch Lomond
The start of the Clydebank Cycle Path


With Forum friends Alex and Annie in Dumbarton

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______________________

Brooks Saddles

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