Sunny but cold weather drew us out of the house. Errands completed in Dumfries left us wondering where to go for lunch and a short walk. The car park at the end of Nunholm Road gave us a nice view of the River Nith and a selection of birds while we ate our lunch.
The first arrivals were a pair of Bullfinches - what stunning birds when you see them close up!
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Photos: NE Wildlife
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We were then lucky enough to see 4 Robins - yes 4 Robins, along with Blackbird, Pheasant, Blue Tit, Crow, Wren, Woodpigeon and another treat - a Tree Creeper!
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Photo: NE Wildlife
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This was in just a few minutes while we were eating our butties and drinking a cup of coffee!
Having passed an access point to the Maxwellton Cycleway just up the road we decided to go and investigate.
The cycleway is a route for cyclists and walkers that links east and west Dumfries with shops, schools and the railway station. This part of the way crosses the Nith on the old Maxwellton Railway. via the Queen of the South viaduct.
Along the way there are also signposts for Core Paths that will take you on other wanders.
The River Nith was looking very serene as we crossed over the viaduct and the number of catkins and buds on the trees were amazing for January!
We also found three lovely sculptures along the cycleway - they are part of a national artwork celebrating local heroes. Communities around the country chose people or characters to represent them. There are three sculptures here of people who have made a difference to Dumfries.
James Barrie went to Dumfries Academy and Edinburgh University before moving to London, hoping to become a writer. He wrote Peter Pan in 1904 which became so very popular. He gave the perpetual rights of the play to Great Ormond Street Hospital - and they still benefit today.
Another sculpture is of Jean Mundell who lived in Dumfries her entire life and took an active part in the community. She is remembered for the "Food Train" which helps people with grocery shopping and in their homes. The food train began in Dumfries and has now spread throughout the region and other parts of Scotland.
The third sculpture is of Kirkpatrick Macmillan. He was a local blacksmith and invented the first self-propelled cycle. He built it around 1839, but although the two-wheeled cycle was very heavy and slow he enjoyed riding it and in 1845 made the 68 mile trip to Glasgow in just 2 days!
We only walked a short part of the cycleway but it was definitely a worthwhile wander as we saw more bullfinches, a Goldcrest and my favourite little bird - Long Tailed Tits.
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| Goldcrest: NE Wildlife |
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| Long Tailed Tit:NE Wildlife |
There were quite a few people using the cycleway - although we didn't meet anyone on a cycle - so it must be a popular route. Definitely somewhere needing more investigation!
