Woodend Wanderer

We set off for the 151 mile run to our next stop in Perth. This is a mix of moorland roads, vallets and some suburbia. The road from Moffat to Selkirk winds its away along valleys and beside reservoirs. It was a cool and damp morning. The cloud hung low over the peaks beside us. We paused briefly for a photo stop beside an old AA box that would have been a common sight alongside the roads of Britain in the 50s and 60s. Alas no more.

After pausing briefly in Selkirk we moved on to Cardrona. I wanted to visit Cardrona only because of my connections to Cardrona in New Zealand. Cardrona Scotland is easily bypassed by a main A road but we turned off the highway just to say I had visited the place. Well were we in for a surprise! Whilst looking for a loo and a coffee we happened upon the village hall in Cardrona. A sign outside stated “Meet and Eat, All Welcome, £1. We thought we might get a coffee and use the Loo. Whilst we were taking our jackets off a lady came out of the hall to greet us and introduced herself as Ruth. “Come in” she said. “We have soup, sandwiches and cake.” A boon for a pair of bikers.

What a truly memorable experience we had. We were the first in the hall where tables had been laid. Andy and I had a bowl of the most delicious Chicken Broth accompanied by home baked sandwiches and bread, tea and coffe and cakes. Shortly after the local residents started to arrive and sat with us. We chatted away and explained what we were doing. They were so gracious.

The wonderful ladies explained that this was a once a month event that we just happened to come across. We were made so welcome and Andy and I booth said that our faith in humanity was restored by this chance meeting. This made our day. We watched the ladies serving the village residents, we heard the conversation and we both thought how wonderful it was to be a very small part of it. So, to those ladies of Cardrona, Thank you. You made two bikers very happy indeed and we take our hats off to you. You are all very special people. To others who may read this one day, go say hello to Cardrona. You never know, the ladies in the hall may just be there with their fantastic soups. This is what I truly love about touring. Get off the well trodden track and see what awaits you.

Back on the bikes we set off for the Roslin chapel. Made rather famous by the film the Da Vinci code it was worth a visit. It did not disappoint. It is well worth a visit if ever you are in the vicinity.

We crossed the Forth Road Bridge and made our way via the city of Dunfermline to our stop for the night at the Huntingtower Hotel just to the west of Perth. I will give you our review of it tomorrow. Until then goodnight from to weary motorcyclists.