Doire, Dún na nGall and donkeys (hopefully).

Ex-Call Centre Chimp

Ex-Call Centre Chimp

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I've been trying to get to Ireland this year but an ankle operation that's been booked then cancelled (4 times so far) keeps getting in the way. A phone call from the hospital a few days ago opened up a small window to finally get away before the weather gets too cold so I decided to bite the bullet while I can. It's going to be a shorter trip than I'd have liked but any time in Ireland is always welcome so I'm grateful for the chance however brief.
 
Day 1.
Nothing exciting expected today, just a shlepp up the A roads and motorways to Stranraer before catching the ferry tomorrow, insha'Allah.
Ready for the off.20230902_121816.jpg
 
The roads were very quiet and I made good progress, stopping roughly halfway for some snap. Cheese and tomato pickle?20230902_161213.jpg Well it is an adventure.
 
Everything went as expected until the Sat. Nav. intervened shortly after Dumfries on the A75 suggesting I take a right at Crocketford and head up the A712. For some reason it always does this even though the obvious and well trodden route is to continue along the A75 all the way. As it was a beautiful evening and I had a room booked and paid for in Stranraer (well 2 actually but let's not talk about that :blast) I decided to head that way. and what a good decision it proved to be. If you're heading to/from the ferry and fancy a small diversion I'd definitely recommend it, fabulous roads and stunning scenery. 20230902_180444.jpg20230902_181507.jpg20230902_181536.jpg20230902_182724.jpg
 
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Soon enough I was back on the A75 to continue the trundle into Stranraer. But wait, in steps the Garmin again. Despite being set to 'Fastest route' it decided to ignore that request and take me the windy way turning me left at Newton Stewart, not a way I've ever been and certainly not one I'd have thought of taking. Once again as time was still on my side I thought 'Why not?', so it was onto the A715 towards Wigtown before turning right onto the B7005 just around Culquhirk.
Bonus! Look what I passed, they say God works in mysterious ways and so it proved today......20230902_185227.jpg20230902_185250.jpg20230902_195011.jpg
 
I followed the B7005 through Culmazie and Culshabbin, single track with grass growing down the middle in some places, absolutely perfect. 20230902_190404.jpg20230902_190423.jpg
 
At the end of this road it was onto the A757 turning right and following the coast for a few miles before eventually looping back onto the A75 not far from my destination this evening.
20230902_192217.jpg
 
A quick call into Mozzas for some beer and chocolate......
Christmas comes early in Scotland.
20230902_195627.jpg
 
And then check into the hotel where the room is slightly dismal but clean, tidy and fine for just the one night. I would say the photos don't do it justice but being blurry is probably for the best. At least I can console myself with a healthy tea.
20230902_201927.jpg20230902_201939.jpg20230902_203849.jpg
 
Tomorrow takes me via Cairnryan and Belfast to Speenoge in Co. Donegal. A cursory look at Google maps suggests I'll be routed north of Lough Neagh along the A6, skirting The Sperrins. I'm not at all familiar with this area so might go with the flow although a diversion down the A25/A505 then Greencastle, Rousky, Gortin and the A5 up to Strabane and Derry looks like it might be worth a look.
Let's see.......
 
I see that Wigtown & Bladnoch’s cup run is over. They went down 0-12 at home yesterday to Auchinleck Talbot, in the Scottish Cup (second preliminary round).

12 unlucky breakaways, I guess the local paper will say.

Enjoy your trip.
 
Thank you all for your suggestions which mirror the advice given to me by Aiden so it would be daft not to head that way. (y)

Thank you Richard, I guess Auchinleck Talbot were always the favourites as they are one of the giants of Junior/Non League football (or certainly were in my time heading to Scotland to watch football on a bi-weekly basis many years ago)..
How's the leg?
 
Call Centre Chimp said:
Thank you all for your suggestions which mirror the advice given to me by Aiden so it would be daft not to head that way. (y)

Thank you Richard, I guess Auchinleck Talbot were always the favourites as they are one of the giants of Junior/Non League football (or certainly were in my time heading to Scotland to watch football on a bi-weekly basis many years ago)..
How's the leg?
Click to expand...

A knowledge of minor league football in Scotland, is a winner when it comes to a pub quiz.

Getting better, thank you. Seven more days of the boot and then being very careful.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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