Before I started to feel too unloved, I remembered that this was probably because in 2016 I was (mostly) posting twice a week, whereas in 2017 I was (mostly) only posting once. When we arrived, Ben Lomond had its head in the clouds. A robot in Lambhill!Through a gap in the hedge at the back there are good views towards Possil Loch and the Campsie Fells.Back on the canal towpath, we walk a little further then turn into Possil Marsh and Loch nature reserve – though there is so much marsh that we don’t actually see the loch again, as the track can only go round the very edge of the site. Discover the Forth & Clyde by Paddle For more detailed information, follow the link below: There's an outdoor seating area right next to the water with lovely views. Scott modelled his sculptures on two real-life Clydesdales in honour of the horses which used to pull the barges along the canal, so they might be mythical, but they’re also very real.We chose to take a tour which meant we were able to go inside one of the heads (Duke, the one looking down, the other is Baron) and learn more about how they were made. Explore the tranquil Forth & Clyde Canal, passing through Scotland’s industrial heartland and vibrant green corridors. What will you discover by boot, paddle or pedal?Head along the Forth and Clyde or Union Canal for some canal fishing.

What a great way to get married.Glasgow’s book festival, Aye, Write!, has been running this month. I’ll pass on that too.Finally, I have very intermittent Internet access at the moment which is awkward with the A to Z Challenge about to start! The Forth and Clyde Canal is a canal opened in 1790, crossing central Scotland; it provided a route for the seagoing vessels of the day between the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Clyde at the narrowest part of the Scottish Lowlands. Exciting!On the other side of the river, we spotted the Waverley (the last ocean-going paddle steamer in the world – red funnels) and Queen Mary (the only remaining Clyde-built turbine steamer which is now being preserved as a museum ship – yellow funnels). I swore I would never go there again after my I found it funny to see the bright blue library book drop still there: locked – I checked. The Forth and Clyde Canal is a canal opened in 1790, crossing central Scotland; it provided a route for the seagoing vessels of the day between the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Clyde at the narrowest part of the Scottish Lowlands.It is 35 miles (56 km) long and it runs from the River Carron at Grangemouth to the River Clyde at Bowling, and had an important basin at Port Dundas in Glasgow. This is the oldest purpose-built private library in Scotland, opening in 1687 as the result of a bequest by Robert Leighton. Here, Speirs Wharf has been a residential area since the late 1980s but originated in the 19th century as the canal’s headquarters and the City of Glasgow Grain Mills and Stores.

From here, you can see the wall and its ditch very clearly.After descending, we crossed a road and started climbing again – this time Croy Hill. This is a fairly new attraction, so maybe they will get their act together soon, and I guess it’s good news in one way if more people than they expected turn up. Expect more rag-bag posts in the New Year as I clear out photos and ideas that didn’t get used in 2016. The disused piers in the river once carried railway lines across it.– and not long after that, we left the towpath temporarily to visit Maryhill Burgh Halls for a delicious lunch at the Clean Plates Café. By 1812 they carried 44,000 passengers, taking receipts of more than £3,450. I’ll do my best to reply to comments and read / comment on other blogs but apologies in advance if I don’t. Last night’s heavy rainfall has caused a significant breach on The Union Canal 500m east of the A801 between Polmont and Muiravonside. This waterside walk takes you along the Forth and Clyde Canal from the centre of Glasgow to Clydebank. I have no regrets.Another reason that October has been constrained is that I have been fighting with a broken-down boiler which took 6 visits from 4 different workmen to fix, so I have spent a lot of time hanging round the house. Here's our top flora and fauna to keep an eye out for on your travels.The Glasgow Canal Project is coming to life in new and exciting ways. Check out boat trips, activity providers, holidays, things to do and lots more!Take to the waters of the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals and explore Central Scotland from a new perspective. Species include roach, bream, rudd, gudgeon, carp and particularly tench. Although familiar to Jayne and Mark, John and I had never been before. We crossed over to have a look.Both ships are berthed by the Glasgow Tower, a rotating structure which you are supposed to be able to ascend but which spends more time inactive than not. If I keep it up I should have plenty to write about.Here’s a heart-warming little story. My pals Beverly, Mary Alice and Louisina were well prepared for the event!Last month, I mentioned Jessie Stephen, the Scottish Suffragette whose life and work I am celebrating throughout this anniversary year of the first women in the UK getting the vote. When opened in 1878, the halls had 20 stained glass panels depicting the trades then carried out in Maryhill, and eleven of the panels are now back on display. The Falkirk Wheel opened in 2002 and links the Forth and Clyde and Union Canals replacing the old link of 11 individual locks, which was dismantled in the 1930s. As we shivered, we agreed it was beautiful, and that we were thankful to be dry at least.Easter Saturday was a little better – we took a ferry to the island of Great Cumbrae and had a lovely walk there, but that merits its own post later on.Finally, for my Scottish Word of the Month I’ve chosen one I used in the comments on a previous post – remember the story of Miss Inglis and the dog? I have to admit the walk was a little disappointing. From here, Glasgow University dominated the view. Forth and Clyde Canal Pubs/Cafes. Glasgow’s fourth statue to a named woman was unveiled on International Women’s Day (8th March).