I collected my tickets yesterday afternoon from a strangely quiet local railway station. Upon checking, I discovered that Southern Rail had problems with biofuel, and as a result the local trains to London were cancelled. This did make me panic somewhat as I had an important connection to make in order to get north in time to check in and get sorted. As a result, I changed my plans and went up to London on another route which (as much as is possible with the trains these days) guaranteed me to arrive in the city in time for the long journey north.
This worked fine and I had plenty of time to cross the City and wait for the Glasgow train from Euston. This train, however, felt disappointingly cramped. There was a party of golfers, so they had extra luggage in the racks, and I was sharing a table seat with a couple and a toddler. I had to force myself to sit back and be contained.
I caught up on podcasts and read a little. I checked the distances I would be walking each day. Most days are certainly manageable, although the one 19 mile day will be a challenge. I resolve to try to make early starts so I can walk and rest frequently.
Milngavie lies at the southern end of the West Highland Way and gives the impression that this passing trade is its major industry. Several probable fellow walkers were visible in and around the Premier Inn and one chap got off the train in the late afternoon and seemed to make his way to start the trail there and then.
I walked to the start of the Way. There is an obelisk and the start leads straight off from the pedestrian shopping street. I’d seen these on lots of videos and selfies from those who had gone before. However, it did not feel right to walk down it…just yet.
I need to reorganise my bags for a prompt start tomorrow.
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