20/07/2023

Very slow start, again! But we did both run. Well, slight exaggeration as J ran. I staggered. In fact, I was staggered that the last time I ran was 28th May and the time before was March. In my defence, we have walked and I’ve done Pilates, classes and at home. But, boy, my legs knew about it … legs and my per km time both definitely dun better. Great to use the Falkirk Wheel showers after.

We drove to Dunmore Castle and the more famous Pineapple, another Atlas Obscura. We stopped at a narrow opening to the car park, leant out of the window to ask if big Jez could get to the car park. Yes, says she. A few pot holes but the car park isn’t too busy. We slowly set off. Pot holes weren’t the problem. Low hanging branches were! And when we saw the parking, there was no way we would have fitted, or been able to turn around. Really should know better than to rely on someone else’s opinion about our size and roads!!! So ivreversed to the sound of branches scraping side. Asked a lady sat outside her Gatehouse garden if she knew where we could park. She kindly offered the spot in front of her house and she was rewarded with a 500ml of Spiros’ Cretan olive oil.

Dunmore Park was a great place to meander. The Pineapple was built as a folly one side of the walled gardens at a time when pineapples were a novelty. Originally, glass houses fanned either side. Now, it is under the care of the National Trust for Scotland and is holiday accommodation.

Next is Elphinstone Tower. Elphinstone was the one-time family name. Now, a ruin it sits to one side of the graveyard for family and servants.

The piece de resistance was the Castle and stables. During the war it was a hospital. Then a private school. In the 1970’s it was abandoned and the roof removed to avoid paying property tax.

Having run and walked, my legs were definitely heavy. We had intended to clean Jez at an award winning 5 pitch CL called Carr’s Hill,

but all I managed was 2 loads of laundry through the twin tub and some restorative wine!

I was all Dun In!