BLOGS

Alva Glen is the route of the River Alva. The steep descent and rushing water inspired early industrialists to harness the water in a couple of dams and run it through huge cast-iron pipes downhill to power a series of watermills and textile factories. One of the largest of these is still prominent in the town, having been converted into flats.

This is an excellent cycle ride with great scenery. The ride took us an hour and a half, including a stop for refreshments at the But & Ben Cafe/Bistro near the end of our journey in Croftamie. As we cycled down Old School Road, we had terrific views of Ben Lomond in the distance with the outline of Conic Hill on the right. The weather was fantastic, and so far we hadn't encountered a single vehicle on the road!

Jupiter Artland was created by art collectors and philanthropists Robert and Nicky Wilson. They chose the name Jupiter as the archetype for creativity, happiness and enjoyment.

Just to let you know, we have at last had full fibre broadband installed at Appletree. Today's speed test showed 146.3mbps which is a huge improvement on the 5mbps we were getting in 2016!

Here, around Appletree Cottage on Shandon Farm, we try hard to cultivate attractive flower and herb beds. Over the years, we have planted many bulbs and shrubs. However, we do have one persistent problem – hungry roe deer! Daffodils in front of Appletree Cottage Roe deer love to experiment. They will have a chew at almost any living plant. However, one species which they always avoid munching on is the daffodil. It seems to be one of the very few plants which deer will n

We visit the famous Hill House in Helensburgh, having learned that there were some major refurbishment works in progress at this venue. Hill House in Helensburgh is less than a thirty-minute drive from Appletree Cottage.

The sun was shining, the sky was clear, so we put on our walking boots and took a stroll up to the nearby village of Drymen. Appletree Cottage is situated on a quiet back road, single track for most of it and very little traffic.

A lovely moderate winter walk up the famous Whangie, between Milngavie and Drymen