The hospitality of friends

On several occasions, I've been blessed by the support and help of complete strangers over the past six weeks.  Since the weekend, all bar one night has been taken under a solid roof, thanks to friends who live on or close to my route.  It's been good to renew and deepen existing friendships, and to be the recipient of generous hospitality, not only shelter and a comfy bed, home cooked meals and offers of laundry too.  Thank you.

Today and yesterday I've been house guest with Anne-Claar and Keith: Anne-Claar was one of my tutors at theological college between 2012-5 and it was a happy coincidence to discover that theyd moved here recently to allow Keith to take up a position in the Scottish Episcopal Church.

Crossing the Clyde on Tuesday morning marked what I feel is a period of transition in the whole walk.  For the last three days, the islands and mountains to the west have continued to be visible, but have diminished into the background.  Many moments taking in the impressive, awe-inspiring geography of the Highlands and islands will remain with me, and I hope that I have the opportunity to revisit at least some.

The lower-lying geography of the Clyde and Ayrshire Coastal Paths have made for easier walking, not least because the trails are both well marked and easy to navigate.  Wednesday was delightful, with sunshine and a cooling breeze, today (Thursday) more overcast but almost dry for the whole day.

Since leaving Largs, my boots have trod a variety of surfaces - tarmac of the cycle path which runs along the coast and is shared at times eith the trails, through sand dunes, and a lot of time on the beaches themselves.  It's been interesting to note some of the history of the small coastal ports (Irvine,Troon, Ayr) and see some of their current businesses including the large sawmills here in Troon.  I've also passed a nuclear power station in the process of being decommissioned, Prestwick airport and several golf courses.  Oh, and this serpent!

Amidst all that, there's plenty of flora and fauna in what might be described as the coastal fringe.  In some sense, the environment is fragile, but amidst that fragility is tenacity in the way in which the plants grow and survive.  In weakness and in a harsh environment, there's strength.  Even the seaweed has variety in the colours.

All in all, an enjoyable three days walking along this coast. As I turned to head inland through Newton-on-Ayr, I dipped my boots in the sea as I left the West Coast of Scotland.  In the coming days I'll be walking ong the River Ayr Trail and then the Southern Upland Way towards Beattock where I hope to be after the weekend.

'This, this is the God we adore,

Our faithful, unchangeable friend,

Whose love is as great as His power,

And knows neither measure nor end.

‘Tis Jesus, the first and the last,

Whose Spirit shall guide us safe Home;

We’ll praise Him for all that is past,

And trust Him for all that’s to come.'

(Words: Joseph Hart)