Day 9. Saturday,12th April 2014. Beattock to St. Mary's Loch. 21 miles. Another challenging day, another early start. Rejoined the path which took me under the busy M74 and out into open country. Climbed a steep grassy hill (450 ft) then lost all that height over the otherside; frustrating. Soon entered yet another forest. This time the SUW stuck to the forest road which climbed inexorably for several miles. At least there were no fallen trees to negotiate. Met a walker doing the path, east to west. We both agreed that we'd seen no other serious walkers. Until then, I thought I'd got the whole thing to myself. Towards the end of the woodland, there appeared a bothy and as it was lunchtime, I availed myself of its facilities. No tree stumps, logs, rocks or stiles for me today. I had an upholstered wing chair for comfort. After lunch I had a six mile hike on a single track road in remarkably good condition. It was somewhat tedious but enabled me to make fast progess. At the end, yet another steep ascent started a pass across the hills which eventually led to St. Mary's Loch and the Tibbie Shiels Inn, the only accommodation for miles.  5 days to go and 74 miles. Learned of another superb victory for the tractor boys so celebratory supping is in progress. Weather. Rain started just as I set off and there were light showers throughout the day until 12.30 when it dried up for the day. Predominantly sunshine thereafter tempered with a strong, cold gusting wind. Poll latest. Ayes 3 Noos 8 Knee Vootin' 3 Doon't knooows 2