Lochwinnoch
Narrow Roads &
a Castle
July, 2001 & July 2002
| Scotland
Lochwinnoch Narrow Roads & a Castle July, 2001 & July 2002 |
|
I wanted to see some narrow rural roads and I definitely got my chance. Many rural roads are as pictured here - cars pass by pulling off and passing slowly, or backing up to allow the other car to pass. Road courtesy instead of road rage. |
| Next, I went down the hill, following the sign to Lochwinnoch Golf Club. I decided to play later, if time permitted, but unfortunately that didn’t happen in 2001. Nonetheless, I had a pleasant visit with the club professional, picked up some souvenir ball markers, and was on my way. | 
|
 Lochwinnoch Golf Club, Lochwinnoch, Scotland |
When I returned in 2002, despite some cold midday rain, I managed two rounds of golf at the Lochwinnoch Golf Club. It sits on the side of a hill overlooking the village. For me, it was a truly enjoyable experience. I hope to return again, someday. |
 Lochwinnoch as seen from the 11th Tee |
| Now, back to 2001, leaving the west side of town, I came upon the remains of an ancient castle. I saw this gated entry to a sheep pasture and pulled in, intending to walk back down the road a few hundred yards, take my picture of the castle ruins, and be on my way. But, just as I got out of the car, the sheep farmer (as he referred to himself, vs. shepherd) and his wife arrived. She very politely told me I would have to move my car so they could enter, but the farmer told after he opened the gate, just to drive into the pasture - there was plenty of room for two cars. |
 |
After we were all safely inside, I told him what I wanted to do. He began to tell me about the castle ruins - that it had been the home of the medieval Lord of the Manor, several hundred years ago. The current farmer only rented the land from the current owner, a long descendant of the medieval lord. The present owner was a professor McCullum from Canada, who makes a pilgrimage to his manor once or twice per year. A more current home exists elsewhere on this extensive property. Many of these manors have been "repossessed" in estate proceedings, as the inheritance taxes are too great to maintain continued ownership across generations. |
| As for the castle, the farmer told me he had to weld the door permanently closed, after he found some young people smoking pot and doing other drugs one evening. Seems there is no escaping the scourge of drugs, even in pristine rural Scotland. After wandering around and taking my pictures, I went back to the car, expecting to wait for the farmer, but they had already left, leaving the gate open for me to leave, and close behind me. A nice gesture. I pulled forward, closed the gate behind me, and was again on my way. |  |
