A gift from Poundland

          Richard Lutz visits a favourite spot.

Off to Poundland with not a thought in my head about 99p mops, an 86p toothbrush nor 98p for a bonus-sized bottle of shampoo.

Y’see, I’m off to Poundland tucked under Poundland Hill and a stone’s throw from Poundland House in the southwest corner of Scotland. Here it is settled above a fishing spot:

Not a single 99p mop in sight. Instead there is the wandering River Stinchar (see above) noted for its salmon; the intriguingly named Balloch o’ Beastie Bridge just to the west; and, well, little else except it’s quiet and you can hear a late summer breeze flow through the trees.

The flowers in the last days of August are late and wild. Below, skullcaps in bloom:

And late blooming ragged robin by the roadside:

Blackberries are early because of the hot summer. Red honeysuckle still winds onto fences and walls. A buzzard wonders way overhead, heading for the trees.

The farm track between Dangart and Dalreoch Woods is high above the cattle and sheep and is lined with towering ancient beeches and oak.

A two hour walk south connects you to Colmonnell with its three castles (Kirkhill, Craigneil and Knockdollian). Its churchyard is home to vivid gravestones:

Colmennell can get you to Poundland  You just have head for Balloch o’ Beastie Bridge and amble a bit on the empty summer road. Or you can drop in from nearby Pinwherry. Neither routes are quick ways to get anywhere.