A big bowl of porridge and a bus ride back to Drummore and we are ready to tackle our first full day of walking. We can already tell it is going to be hot so the key is going to be trying not to get dehydrated... there is quite a bit of road-walking on this stretch and the beaches are very stony, but the views across to the Machars Peninsula make up for some trudging :) On the edge of the tide we spot Turnstones, Redshank, Curlew. It is hard to differentiate between waders - but we definitely spot dozens of Ringed Plover, adults and juveniles, living and hiding among the stones. The highlight however is three Greenfinch, singing happily in a leafless tree on the path ahead. This is my first, ever, Greenfinch sighting so it is worth a little victory dance. Sadly though we read that they are in decline due to a parasite. However, we can all help these lovely finches by routinely cleaning our bird feeders: https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/gbw/gardens-wildlife/garden-birds/disease/trichomonosis As the heat ramps up we are grateful for a small shop, which has one freezer of fishing bait and another of ice-creams - not one to muddle up. Despite getting chased (yes, chased) by an angry Chihuahua (I do mention 'mad dugs' on the sponsorship page) we agree over a Magnum that life doesn't really get much better than this :) Approaching Sandhead we are grateful that the path starts to move in and out of wooded areas. Its amazing how the flora changes under the tree canopy, a carpet of clover, Herb Robert (one of my faves) and ?Lesser Stitchwort. Its so peaceful. We take advantage of the shade for a rest before completing the last couple of miles for a second night at the Tigh Na Mara hotel. Jennie
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