September 3: Farmland (Kilbirnie, Scotland)

I love hiking in Scotland. Ireland, too. There’s nothing quite like the grassy paths that lead you through farms, alongside brooks, and across hilly pastures. If you’re lucky, you’ll be met with a sunny day, but even the cloudy days seem magnificent: the billowing clouds are a sight, themselves!

I was lucky with beautiful weather today. Overcast, but bright and dry. I used AllTrails to find a trail near the place where I’m staying. I wanted something that was easily accessible and this certainly was! I wasn’t quite sure where the hike would lead me, but I was eager for some time outside after my day in the city yesterday.

It started at the grocery store in Kilburnie (a perfect start for me to stock up on water and snacks) and ended in Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. In total, it was just under 11 miles, out and back. The hike felt a bit more like an elevated walk — enough to get my heart rate up, but nothing like the climbing I’ve done in Maine or Colorado or Switzerland. It was just what I needed: mentally fairly simple, physically achievable, and beautiful.

Sheep frequently darted across my path as I walked. A few streams ran alongside parts of the path, bubbling noisily as the water tumbled over rocks and stones. A gentle breeze followed me the whole way.

I had to rush a little, unfortunately, because of my plans to meet Lindsay for dinner tonight. By the end of the walk, my feet were aching and I was grateful there was a warm meal in my future.

Dinner at The Station Inn was pleasant. The food was surprisingly good — with large portion sizes and attentive service. They had a few vegetarian options, for which I was grateful and certainly don’t take for granted in a small town! Lindsay still seemed a bit nervous and shy, but he also seemed genuinely grateful for the company and said as much. We stayed for a few drinks after dinner, talking to more of the locals and remarking bitterly on the news that played on the small bar tv in the corner.

I was grateful to get back home early and settle down on the couch for the evening. This week is already going too fast! I always wish I could stay in Scotland longer…