Léonie Cooper

Aireville Park, Skipton, 19th June 2022.

June 2022

28th

The travellers who had pulled onto Aireville Park last night were hostile, as if they detested my attempts to speak with them, and I woke up late, at about noon.

Dilapidated, narrowboat-like structure moored on a canal. Its wooden hull is weathered and dark brown, showing significant age and wear. The roof is partially covered by a tattered white tarp, under which branches, logs, and various pieces of lumber are haphazardly piled, creating a wild, overgrown look. Patches of moss and grass grow on the roof and sides of the boat. A porthole, circular and framed in dark wood, is visible near the centre of the structure's side.

Woman walking away from the viewer down a gravel path. She's positioned slightly off-centre, towards the left, and appears to be of medium build. She's wearing light beige or khaki-coloured pants and a similarly light-coloured, possibly linen or cotton, loose-fitting shirt or blouse. Her hair is light-brown and seems to be pulled back from her face. She’s walking at a relaxed pace, not hurried. In the background to the right, a partially visible rustic structure is present; it seems to be a small, simple building with a thatched or green-covered roof, hinting at a possibly rural or historical setting. The structure is partially obscured by tall grasses.

Skipton wasn't worth my time, so I quickly left the town via the canal towpath. Soon after, I spotted a floating raft/houseboat that had a wooden theme and looked almost Steampunk.

27th

I awoke once more in Skipton's Airville Park.

Two-person, olive-green tent, a Vango Banshee 300, pitched on a lush, short-cropped grassy field. The tent is positioned slightly off-centre, angled towards the viewer's left, revealing its partially open doorway. Its guy lines, a vibrant burnt orange, extend from the tent's corners, anchored to the ground. A small, dark gray object, possibly a tent stake bag or a small rock, lies near one of the guy lines. The tent appears new or well-maintained, exhibiting a clean, smooth texture. The scene is set in a rolling, pastoral landscape under a soft, overcast sky. The sky is a muted greyish-white, with no harsh sunlight. The background displays a series of gently rising hills and valleys, dotted with patches of green fields, trees, and hints of distant buildings or structures suggesting a small town or village nestling in the valley.

I have a meeting with a nurse at 2:40 p.m. today to get my Vitamin B12 shot. The nurse wasn't sure if she should give me the shot because, strangely, my medical records didn't show that I'd ever had one before or even had a diagnosis or history of a blood test.

Sprawling, verdant pasture occupying the foreground and middle ground. It’s a vibrant, slightly uneven field of short, green grass, with subtle variations in tone suggesting slight undulations. A faint, tire-tracked path winds across the lower portion of the pasture. Three sheep are visible in the mid-ground; two graze peacefully near each other, while a solitary sheep is a little further away. They appear white or light-coloured against the grass. The background is a picturesque valley, showcasing a town nestled among rolling hills. The town, a blend of stone and muted-toned buildings, appears spread out and low-slung. The buildings are relatively small in scale compared to the vastness of the landscape. The hills are a mix of various greens and browns, suggesting different vegetation and land use. The sky dominates the upper third of the composition; it is a brilliant, clear blue with fluffy, cumulus clouds scattered across it, creating a sense of depth and light. The light is bright and sunny, suggesting it’s likely midday.

Gently rolling landscape of hills, the furthest showing a lighter, more muted green. The hills are softly contoured, not sharply defined, giving a sense of distance and calm. A clear blue sky dominates the upper two-thirds of the frame, punctuated by fluffy cumulus clouds of varying sizes. The clouds are mostly white and bright against the blue, with some exhibiting subtle shades of gray. The lighting suggests a sunny day, with even illumination across the scene. The overall colour palette is bright and cheerful, composed of deep greens, light greens, bright blues, and the crisp white of the clouds.

I started to feel much better two hours after the nurse spoke with a general practitioner, who gave the all-clear. I ascended above Skipton in the afternoon and then took a break at the summit of a hill.⁣

26th

Skipton is celebrating the Sheep and Army festival today.

Large, flatbed truck displaying a sheep-showing event. The truck's sides are adorned with a navy blue tarp featuring the website www.thesheepshow.co.uk and images relating to sheep breeds. Inside the truck, several sheep of different breeds are visible within individual pens, with signage identifying each breed. A person in a dark shirt is seen tending to the sheep. The truck is surrounded by a large crowd of people, mostly adults and children. Many are standing, some seated on the ground. The crowd consists of people of various ages and ethnicities, dressed in casual summer attire—bright, colourful clothing is prominent. A few people are holding small children. Notice the women in vibrant, patterned summer dresses; one is notably wearing a striking red jacket. Many people are facing towards the truck, seemingly engaged in watching the sheep presentation. Some individuals in the background are less clearly visible but still contribute to the overall density of the crowd.

Large, whimsical sheep puppet, predominantly grey and black with textured fringe, being carried by a person mostly obscured by the puppet's bulk. The puppet's head is oversized and features faux wool and dark eyes. The carrier is dressed in dark jeans and a dark top. Surrounding this focal point is a bustling crowd of people, mostly casually dressed in summer attire. Many are observing the puppet, while others engage in seemingly everyday activities—walking, chatting, pushing strollers. A woman in a long white coat stands slightly off-centre, to the left of the puppet. She is wearing a hat, and appears to be observing the scene. Several people are visibly interacting—a group appears to be talking together, while others seem to be part of families. Noteworthy is the person in pink, who stands slightly apart from the crowd, allowing for a visual break near the puppet. Two dogs are visible in the background, one light-coloured and one darker. In the bottom left corner, a portion of a brightly coloured, patterned object is seen, possibly a vehicle or float.

Two vintage military vehicles, a Jeep and a smaller, flatbed truck, parked on a cobblestone street. A US army olive-green Jeep, showing signs of age but seemingly well-maintained, is positioned slightly off-center, angled to the left. A small American flag is draped across the front. Its tires are large and rugged. A smaller, olive-green military-style truck, also showing its age, is parked behind and slightly to the right of the Jeep. It’s a flatbed with some equipment on the back. Several people in period attire, suggestive of World War II re-enactors, are standing near the vehicles. They are dressed in olive drab uniforms, some in officer-like attire. One man in a uniform is actively engaged with something near the back of the truck. A young woman in contemporary clothing, wearing a red shirt, sits on a park bench on the lower left, seemingly watching the scene with a companion who sits next to her. More people, in both contemporary and period-appropriate clothing, are visible in the background, suggesting a fair or market event.

When asked why there was a festival, a young steward said, "Because that's how the people of Skipton like it." A few hours later, I found a dead young bird lying next to sunflowers and bread. Some overshadowed creatures that come into this world don't get a chance.

Middle-aged woman (Leonie) with shoulder-length, slightly wavy, light blonde hair. She's wearing a vibrant purplish-blue hand-knitted beanie, pulled down to her eyebrows, which partially obscures her forehead. Her skin is fair with a slightly sun-kissed tone, showing some fine lines and texture, indicative of age and time spent outdoors. Her expression is neutral, bordering on slightly pensive; her gaze is directed slightly to the camera's left. She wears a blue ribbed knit jacket over a coral-red dress speckled with small white flowers. The dress has a gathered bodice and a simple, slightly A-line skirt. A silver chain necklace featuring a circular, slightly ornate pendant hangs just below her neckline. She leans slightly against a stone wall, her left arm resting on the wall, while her right arm hangs loosely by her side. A portion of a gray backpack is visible on her left shoulder. The background is slightly out of focus but reveals a quaint stone street scene. A stone building with multi-paned windows and a muted gray-brown colour palette is visible behind her. The sky is overcast, producing soft, diffused daylight that avoids harsh shadows.

Even though I had a pretty awful day, I managed to get through it and took a photo of myself to remind myself that I was alright.

25th

I set up my tent in the Moffat playing fields last night.

A children's football team playing five hundred meters away from me woke me up. Nobody seemed to mind that I was there. Walked directly through the town and onto the M74 junction, where I was given a ride from a dispatch courier. A few miles later, I was dropped off at Johnsontown Service Station. From there, I took another lift across the Scottish border and into Cumbria, England.

24th

This was my last few hours in Ayr.

Heavily rusted, thick metal beam or barrier, positioned diagonally across the lower two-thirds of the frame. Large, irregular holes pockmark its surface, revealing glimpses of dark earth and vegetation growing within the rust. The texture is rough, uneven, and shows significant deterioration. In the background, numerous seagulls are scattered across a calm, dark-grey-green waterway. They appear mostly stationary, with a few seemingly in motion. The waterway is relatively still, reflecting the cloudy sky and the buildings on the opposite bank. The water itself has a muted palette of dark greens and greys, punctuated by patches of exposed mud or rocks. The background features a row of low-rise apartment buildings in muted beige and cream tones, stretching across the entire horizon. Behind the buildings, several taller, multi-story apartment blocks stand out, their pale concrete facades contrasting with the overcast sky. The sky is a uniform, light grey, indicative of an overcast day. The lighting is soft and diffused, devoid of harsh shadows. The colors are predominantly muted and desaturated, creating an overall feeling of calmness and even melancholy. A paved walkway appears on the right, running alongside the rusted beam, extending into the far background.

After this walk by the river I left the town.

21st

On the brink of the Summer Solstice, my tent was pitched in Ayr, with a view of the Isle of Aran from the sea. I could not have woken up any more alone. Immediately upon exiting my tent, a cockerel commenced its crowing. Subsequently, an individual played a military drum beat on what appeared to be a plastic container.

Small, olive-green, dome-shaped tent pitched on a sprawling expanse of short, slightly unkempt grass. The tent sits slightly off-center, positioned in the middle ground of the image. No people are visible. In the far background, a large, imposing stone building, resembling a castle or stately home, stands subtly against the horizon. The scene is a wide, open field, seemingly coastal or near a shoreline, based on the flatness of the land and the distant hint of water or a low-lying area on the horizon. The overall colour palette is muted and cool. The grass is a deep, somewhat dull green, suggesting late summer or early autumn. The sky is a uniformly overcast, pale grey, devoid of strong light and shadow. The distant building is a light grey-brown, blending somewhat with the background. The overall lighting is soft and diffuse, lacking strong contrasts. The colour saturation is low, contributing to a subdued and somewhat melancholic mood.

Who would have guessed that yesterday I was at Bannockburn Battleground? As I exited the vicinity, I proceeded past a sheriff court and onto a crescent. Saint John's Tower was situated to my left, and the houses that surrounded it were exceedingly eerie.

20th

Last night, I pitched my tent by the River Forth and positioned it to watch Stirling Castle.

Central focus is a vibrant green, two-person dome tent nestled in a field of tall, swaying grasses. The tent is partially obscured by the grass, with only its sides and top visible. It's positioned slightly off-centre, drawing the viewer's eye across the scene. No people are present. The scene is idyllic and pastoral. The foreground is dominated by the tall, yellowish-green grasses, creating a textured, almost wave-like effect. Beyond the grassy field, a calm river flows, its surface slightly rippled. Trees of varying greens line the riverbanks, creating a natural border. In the distance, a faint hill or low mountain is visible, and a small cluster of buildings suggests a village or hamlet. The sky is a clear, pale blue with a few wispy clouds, indicating a sunny day with soft, diffused light.

Vibrant green two-person dome tent, partially submerged in tall, sunlit grass. The tent's orange interior is slightly visible through the open doorway, hinting at the possibility of sleeping bags or other camping gear within. The tent fabric has a slight sheen, suggesting it's made of a lightweight, possibly waterproof material. Orange cords are visible, adding a pop of colour against the green. The tent is positioned slightly off-centre, creating a natural asymmetry. No people are present. The scene is set in a vast, flat field of tall, golden-green grass that stretches to the horizon. The grass is not uniformly colored, displaying subtle variations in shade, suggesting uneven sunlight penetration and the presence of wildflowers. The background is a gentle, hazy horizon line with a strip of darker green trees and possibly low hills or distant structures barely visible under a clear, pale blue sky. The sky is a soft, almost pastel blue, with a few wispy, delicate clouds near the horizon, indicating a calm and sunny day.

In the morning, the grave appears to be the resting place of a fox, as it is observed that they pace in circles before ultimately settling down.

Field of tall, unkempt grass, predominantly a vibrant green with hints of yellowish-green in places, suggesting it's likely late summer or early autumn. The grass is uneven in height and texture, with some areas lying flat, perhaps from recent wind or animal movement. Within the grass, smaller, lighter green patches of clover are visible, scattered inconsistently throughout. There is a noticeable area in the mid-ground where the grass is lower and more matted down, possibly a path or area of lower growth. The scene is a rural landscape under a bright, slightly hazy sky. The sky is a pale, clear blue, almost washed out, with only a few wisps of clouds. In the distance, a low line of dark green trees and a hint of distant hills or mountains are barely visible on the horizon. A tall, slender structure, possibly a communication tower, is subtly present in the background, emphasizing the vastness of the field. The lighting is soft and diffused, suggesting either early morning or late afternoon sunlight. Shadows are minimal, indicating an even light distribution. The overall colour palette is predominantly various shades of green, from bright grassy green to muted olive greens and yellows, punctuated by the tiny white flowers of the clover.

Stirling castle.

Steep, overgrown hillside rising towards a section of a stone castle undergoing renovation. The castle wall, primarily composed of rough-hewn, gray-brown stone, stretches diagonally across the upper portion of the frame. A section of the castle, a light beige-tan in color, with a distinctive, slightly pointed turret, is visible. A metal scaffolding structure is affixed to the side of this section, suggesting ongoing restoration work. The hillside is densely covered in a vibrant, verdant mix of vegetation, including taller, slender grasses, interspersed with shorter flowering plants (possibly wildflowers) that appear mostly white or pale yellow. The foliage varies in shades of green, with some areas exhibiting deeper, richer hues. No people are visible in the image. The scene is set outdoors, on a bright, mostly sunny day. The sky is a pale, almost cloudless blue, with a few wispy, thin clouds. There is a distinct contrail streaking across the sky, adding a man-made element to the otherwise natural landscape. The lighting is even, casting no harsh shadows, suggestive of diffused sunlight. The color palette is naturally dominated by earthy tones. The gray-brown of the stone contrasts with the bright greens of the vegetation, and the pale beige-tan of the restored part of the castle offers a subtle warmth. The sky's light blue provides a balanced cool contrast to the warmer earth tones.

A big security guard blocked my way to Stirling Castle. He was polite but not very friendly, and I think he liked seeing me turn away.

Weathered, grey-stone statue of a king, positioned atop a similarly coloured stone pedestal. The king is depicted in regal attire, wearing a crown and long robes, his arms crossed across his chest. He holds a sword at his side, partially obscured by his robes. The statue shows signs of age and weathering, with visible texture and discolouration. The pedestal features a carved stone shield bearing a heraldic emblem – what appears to be a rampant lion. The entire monument is surrounded by a simple, dark-grey metal fence, creating a protective barrier. The scene is outdoors, under a mostly cloudy sky showing soft, pale grey and white hues. The lighting is soft and diffuse, indicating an overcast day. There is a background of a large, aged stone castle wall, showing a muted range of greys and browns, indicative of aged stone. The castle shows visible stonework, some areas appearing more worn than others. Beyond the castle wall, there’s a hint of green vegetation—a grassy area in front of the monument and some trees slightly off to the right.

I was excited to visit the National Wallace Monument that day.

The scene is set outdoors on a bright, sunny day. The sky is a clear, light blue with a few wispy clouds. The background dominates with a lush green hill covered in dense trees, rising up to a prominent, dark gray stone tower (The Wallace Monument) that is situated centrally in the background. The tower's sharp, Gothic-inspired architecture contrasts with the soft roundness of the hill. The foreground is a paved parking area with visible parking space lines. The colours are natural and vivid: bright sky blue, deep green foliage, and the muted grays of the cars and stone monument. The lighting is strong, natural daylight casting sharp shadows. The overall colour palette is a balance between the brightness of the sky and the cool greens and grays of the landscape and architecture. The sunlight creates distinct shadows under the cars and trees. Overhanging the scene in the upper left is the shadowing foliage of a large tree. A lamppost stands prominently in the upper right background.

Large, ancient-looking sword, seemingly made of aged steel with a dark gray-brown patina. It's displayed vertically within a tall, rectangular, clear glass case. The sword features a simple, slightly bulbous pommel at the hilt and a relatively straight, long blade showing signs of wear and possibly damage along its length. A simple, cross-shaped guard is subtly visible near the hilt. Thin, almost invisible wires suspend the sword within the case, preventing it from touching the sides. To the right of the display case stands a sleek, black, interactive touchscreen kiosk. Its screen displays the text The Wallace Sword in a clean, sans-serif font, followed by Touch to explore. Below the text are small flag icons representing several countries (UK, Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy, possibly others). The background is primarily a rich, deep crimson red wall, providing a stark contrast to the sword and the dark glass case. The scene is set in what appears to be a modern museum setting. The floor is a dark reddish-brown wood. Subtle, recessed LED lighting is visible beneath the glass case, casting a soft glow on the base and enhancing the sword's presence. The lighting appears cool and even, minimising shadows. The wall adjacent to the display case is textured, resembling a woven or pressed metallic material in a muted gold or bronze tone. This textural contrast adds depth to the scene.

Complex, intricate stone structure, possibly part of a monument or ruin. The stonework is the dominant feature, showcasing a series of intersecting arches, buttresses, and angular blocks of varying sizes. The stone appears aged and weathered, a dark gray-brown colour with variations in tone and texture from sun exposure and age. The blocks are meticulously fitted together, creating a visually captivating design. There are no people or other objects present besides the stone structure itself. The scene is outdoors under a bright, clear blue sky. The sky acts as a stark contrast to the dark stone structure, emphasising its form and texture. The sunlight casts strong shadows within the crevices and indentations of the stone, accentuating its three-dimensional qualities and depth. The image utilises a dramatic low-angle perspective, looking directly upward into the heart of the structure. This perspective creates a feeling of grandeur and scale. The viewer's eye is drawn upwards along the converging lines of the arches and stone blocks toward the sky, creating a sense of depth and height.

High-altitude, long shot showcasing a meandering river curving through a verdant landscape. The river, a dark, almost charcoal grey-brown, acts as a central, organic line, snaking its way through fields of vibrant, emerald green. These fields are interspersed with patches of pale yellow, suggesting agricultural activity. On the right bank of the river, a suburban residential area unfolds, featuring rows of uniformly sized, light-grey and beige houses with dark roofs, tightly packed together. This residential area stretches towards the bottom right corner, gradually decreasing in density. In the far background, a hazy expanse of flatlands extends to the horizon, with distant hills visible in the pale blue sky. The scene is bathed in bright, natural daylight under a pale blue, almost cloudless sky. The overall color palette is dominated by natural tones: the deep green of the fields, the muted greens and browns of the trees lining the riverbank and forming the hillside at the bottom of the image, the grey-brown of the river, and the soft beige and grey of the houses. The yellow fields provide a stark, contrasting accent to the otherwise cool colour scheme. The light is even, casting few strong shadows, indicating a time of day likely around midday. The distant hills are softly blurred and desaturated, suggesting atmospheric perspective.

Prominent, weathered stone structure in the lower left foreground. It appears to be part of a wall or tower, possibly from a castle or historical building, with a visible, cylindrical, hollowed-out section suggesting a crenel or embrasure. The stone is a muted greyish-brown, showing signs of age and weathering. There are no people visible in the image. The scene is a panoramic view from an elevated vantage point, overlooking a vast expanse of rolling, verdant farmland. The land stretches to the horizon, showing a patchwork of varying shades of green fields, indicating different crops or grazing areas. In the mid-ground, low-lying hills are visible, their slopes covered with lush green vegetation, suggesting pasture or forest. The hills rise gently towards a range of higher, more rugged, dark-green mountains in the background. The mountains appear hazy and distant, creating a sense of depth and scale. The sky is a brilliant, clear light blue, with a few wispy, white clouds scattered across it. The lighting suggests it’s likely midday, with bright, even sunlight illuminating the landscape. The overall color palette is naturally warm, with various shades of green dominating the landscape, complemented by the earthy tones of the stone structure and the clear blue of the sky.

Sweeping panoramic view of a landscape dominated by a vast expanse of verdant farmland in the middle ground, which gradually transitions into a dense, dark-green forest in the foreground. A silvery-blue river meanders through the farmland, subtly visible in the mid-distance. The fields are divided into geometric patterns by fences and hedgerows, indicating cultivated land. There are no people or animals visible. The background is a hazy, pale blue sky filled with wispy, white cumulus clouds, indicating a bright, sunny day. The lighting is soft and diffused, suggesting the sun is high in the sky, casting few harsh shadows. The overall colour palette is predominantly green, ranging from the bright, almost lime green of the freshly-cultivated fields to the deep, saturated green of the mature forest. The river adds a touch of pale blue and the sky provides soft contrasts in white and light blue. The overall effect is one of calm and serenity.

Sprawling, verdant pasture dominating the foreground. The grass is a vibrant, deep green, short to medium length, showing subtle undulations in its surface, suggesting a gentle slope. A dark brown, almost black, earthy path is barely visible in the very bottom left corner. In the middle ground, a dense line of deciduous trees forms a dark, textured band against the lighter green of the pasture and the rolling hills in the background. The trees are predominantly dark green, with variations in shade suggesting depth and individual trees within the mass. The background is composed of gently rolling hills, a distant, hazy landscape of pale greens and browns, culminating in a prominent hill or low mountain that's somewhat darker in tone. There are no people or animals visible in the scene.

I saw Neil Oliver smile and nod as I went down to the Wallace Monument Cafe.

I reached the Battlefield of Bannockburn after receiving a ride south from the A9 / M8 roundabout. The monument wasn't empty; a joyful ancestral presence was partying and celebrating, and the profound meaning of it all brought tears to my eyes.

The Rotunda's inscription left an impression on me.

Bannockburn?

Although I had intended to depart from this region of Scotland, I veered off course and followed a footpath that led to the village of Bannockburn, which was approximately one mile away.

I stopped at the Tartan Arms pub to get something to drink and talked to a local man who was telling other people not to sit in a pub seat that he thought was cursed with bad luck. They laughed because they thought I wouldn't be able to hitchhike out of the village after leaving the pub at dusk. I showed them they were wrong because by midnight I was at the Ayr lighthouse.

I stretched out my arms and breathed in the strong winds as I stood at the edge of the sea wall.

19th

Last night I set up my tent in Skipton's Aireville Park.

I feel secure up here, above the gloomy living death below.⁣

18th

Pitched my tent in Aireville park, Skipton.

I observed this as I paused to collect my scattered thoughts after packing my equipment away. I proceeded down a hill to a bench.

The two individuals depicted above approached me and performed this action in my presence. In any case, the flowers along Skiptons Canal were fantastic.

A yoga instructor assisted me with a shower and laundry while I was in Skipton; however, the entrance to her flat is quite unsettling.

After some research, I this foreign flag to be Zulu.

I went for a nighttime walk along the canal to get some rest; ever since I started sleeping in Aireville Park, I've received visits every night.

16th

I walked through the woods of Skipton Castle this morning.

Later on in the evening.

I attempted to enjoy a few pints of beer in the local Wetherspoons pub.

14th

Doncaster was sick with Avian Flu. Upon being pursued in this location, I resolved not to proceed into the town center. It required an extended period of time to reach a location from which I could hitchhike.

Just west of Rotherham, a Pakistani trade plating man gave me a lift while delivering an old Mercedes, but he dropped me off on an impractical motorway roundabout.

I was avoiding the police when a white man pulled over and gave me a lift to Meadowhall. It took me 30 minutes to collect myself enough to go into Sainsbury's and buy a cold lunch.

13th

Strange things happening in Perth today.

It is not surprising that this is taking place here, I must say.

Considering the unruly entertainment that is currently taking place in the city.

12th

Last night, I camped in Penrith after a doctor I had hitched a ride from dropped me off by the Castle Park gates.

Awakened and proceeded to Castletown.

For a future monarch?

This town is populated by Romanian migrants, who were subjected to systematic terror for nearly fifty years by Communist despots.

10th

I packed up my tent and headed back to the A30 roundabout, stopping along the way to buy a cup of tea and chat with the manager.

The first ride I got was from a man who was returning home to Bude after working in logistic management in London. He drove me to the Exeter airport junction.

A farmer picked me up a few minutes later and took me to the Exeter services junction. I was fortunate to receive a ride from a handsome individual from Exmouth, as the roundabout was rather congested. Finding the River Dart at another roundabout, this time on the A38, I chose to follow the water's course six miles into Totnes.

While destitute and homeless on the streets, those who were not stigmatised by this infection were opposed to the restrictive stigmatism of wearing masks.⁣

9th

Last night I set up my tent in the Rothiemurchus forest, which is close to Aviemore.

While I was erecting my tent, a badger attempted to scare me away from the wood. Multiple times, the Royal Bank of Scotland declined to conduct financial transactions with me.

After buying breakfast at Tesco supermarket, I observed a steam locomotive enter Aviemore station.

By sunset, I had hitched a ride down to the Strensham M5 Services in Gloucestershire.

The last lift was provided by a woman operating a camper van. The solar panel on the roof generated an audible roar that resonated throughout the vehicle. After getting out of her van at the A30/A35 service station near Horton Cross, I walked to Ilminster and set up my tent in a nearby park.

8th

I set up my tent on Moffat Playing Field, woke up late, and just as I was packing up, a dog came and pooped on where I had slept.

For years, cans of Red Bull energy drinks have been left in my path.

After a Pakistani man beeped his horn and yelled at two Asian and African men in a 4x4 who tried to grab me from a laybay at Bothwell service station, he gave me a lift to safety.

I returned to the M74 junction by walking through some fields and woodland to hitch another ride.

I found a ride with a man who was going to repair air compressors up to the Black Isle.

After getting to Aviemore late at night, I went to see the stone circle.

As I walked south through Aviemore, I set up my tent in Rothiemurchus Forest.