Thursday, June 13, 1996

From Gretna to Parton

66.6 miles

Sweetheart Abbey in New Abbey

It was quite damp in the morning when I got up at 8 am, but that was no problem because I wanted to do some shopping before leaving Gretna, and that left enough time for the tent to dry. When I came back from town I talked a while to the man who had his tent next to mine. He was german as well and on the road with the motorbike. He was heading back to Germany and still had to drive all the way through England.

Sweetheart Abbey in New Abbey

When I left Gretna at 10.30 it was sunny and pretty warm. And compared to the last days, there nearly was no wind so it was very good weather for cycling. I first followed the B721, B724 and B725 along the Solway Firth to Dumfries. As I had still enough time left before turning towards Glasgow I then headed south along the A710.

When I reached the small village of New Abbey, I was surprised to find the church there in a pretty good shape compared to the big abbeys in the Border area. And I have to admit, I never saw a lawn this green like the one in the church. I hope the picture can give you an impression of that.

Near Loch Ken

After checking my map I first decided to head west until I reached Newton Stewart and then follow the B7027 to Barrhill because there was a camping site marked on my map. But after cycling for a while and checking my map again I saw that there was another camping site in Parton at Loch Ken. As I was quite tired I decided to go there. And I have to say it was a good decision, because the place in Parton was really beautiful.

Loch Ken

After putting up the tent and cooking dinner I first wrote my last three postcards and then went for a walk along Loch Ken. It was a beautiful sight with the sinking sun and I really enjoyed the quiet end of the day.

Loch Ken

Loch Ken