endlessrarities | A Walk in the Snow...

Getting out into the fresh air has been hard the last couple of weeks. The pavements and the cycle track have been really treacherous, with a thick coating of black ice turning all ungritted surfaces into a lumpy skating rink.

A fresh coating of snow makes all the difference. The ice is still there, but for a little while, before the foot traffic gets too much, the surfaces are reasonably safe to walk on.

We made the most of it. We went onto the cycle track (sans bicycles!, I hasten to add!) and went for a four mile walk in the snow.

The place was virtually deserted. We met two joggers, and a couple of dog walkers, and that was it. I like the cycle track - it's full of whacky random scupltures. Here's an 'ordinary' bicycle (aka Penny Farthing) set at the entrance, just to remind you that if you're looking for the cycle track, you've found it:-

Those of you who are fans of industrial archaeology will note, of course, that we're looking at an old railway, and that this covered pend actually takes you up into a former station. I'm sorry - there's no escaping archaeology, not even on a pleasant stroll through the local countryside!!

The frequent overbridges are evidence of its earlier use. I particularly like these cast iron ones, which are still reasonably well-maintained, and as a consequence, really rather fetching:-

J calls it a 'Hornby' Bridge. because it looks like something out of a train set!

One of the things I like about the cycle track is the random sculptures which have been set up at various points along the route. Here's one of the more recent ones - a Fred Flintstone bicycle with concrete 'millstones' for wheels:-

We were accompanied throughout much of our walk by a chattering flock of redwings and fieldfares, which were feasting on the hawthorn berries and the rose hips. Sadly, I couldn't get any photos of the redwings, which are really gorgeous birds. We also met some pheasants...

I'll leave you now with some Picturesque Scenic Pictures of Renfrewshire in the snow. Hope your weekend's going well!!