Hamilton to Lanark. 20.87 miles, 1,693 ft of elevation, 28,448 steps
A lovely day of warm dry weather and sunshine. It quickly felt like we had escaped the suburbs of Glasgow and were soon out in more rural landscape. The day was spent alongside the river Clyde again and it remained a formidable companion and a nice background to the days walk.
It’s strange what your mind does when you have hours to yourself and I enjoyed imagining what had become of these owner of the abandoned crutches. The first was discovered broken and leaning against a gate. On going round the corner the second was discovered high up in a tree. I imagined some miracle cure mid way through a walk in which the owner then flung their crutches in wild abandon as far as they could in to the surrounding shrubbery. But then, what would he have been doing on a walk in the middle of nowhere on crutches to start with……
Lunch was a quick detour in to a tiny hamlet call Crossford. A cup of tea and biscuit purchased, but on taking them outside I was met by a mildly off putting sight. I quickly moved on…..
Today’s highlight however was definitely learning the story of the castle at Milton Lockhart (or lack of castle). Googling what befell the grand family home I discovered a fantastic story and one definitely for you Tommy Sato. The castle which dates back a few hundred years was purchased by a Japanese actor ‘Masahiko Tsugawa’ in the 1980’s. He took it down brick by brick, transported it back to Japan via the trans Siberian railway (after seeking permission from Gorbachev) and rebuilt it 2 hours outside of Tokyo. It is now used as a Santa Claus museum with over 1,000 Father Christmas figures inside. Just brilliant. If you don’t believe me, here’s the link. https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.scotsman.com/news-2-15012/the-man-who-moved-a-scottish-mansion-to-japan-1-4561585/amp It kept me smiling all day.
I am staying in a very smart B&B attached to the Lanark race course. Dinner today garlic mushrooms, in garlic sauce on garlic break. WOW, still I have three days before I meet anyone I know.
Brilliant blog John. Loving the humour. Keep it up. So pleased rubbish wasn’t an issue today. And what a difference sunshine makes. Xx
Thanks Norma, I think now we are out of the city the rubbish has diminished. Just medical aids being abandoned now xxx
so glad it’s stopped raining for you Daddy. 🤞it stays that way! looks lovely, apart from your lunch break view!!! love you xxxx
At least it wasn’t a long lunch xxx
Pleased to learn you finally were welcomed by a dry and warm weather!
Thanks for telling me the story of the castle. He was a famous actor who sadly passed away last year. I have also learned that he intended to build his castle in Hokkaido (which is my home land up in the north) but later decided to settle in Gumma nearer to Tokyo.
https://lockheart.info/guide/see.php
I never realized that Santa lived in Scotland since I know they still gather in Copenhagen every July!
Tomi, thanks for your comment. I don’t think Santa lives in Scotland. It is since being in Japan that the castle has been filled with Father Christmas figures. You may be able to pick up some costume tips for your next conference. Must at least be worth a visit!
Definitely, John. It is worth visiting so that I might be able to skip shopping at Amazon for next year!