Pek Yeong’s meal to celebrate her 90th birthday
Some photos from, Betty and Billy: Link to all photos
Kingussie weekend, Sundays walk
Babs wildcat walk
We woke on Sunday to a bit of a misty and chilly morning but it soon burnt off and by the time we arrived at Newtonmore’s Highland Folk Museum the sun was out in full.
To my surprise I had a full compliment of walkers ( 24) out to enjoy a walk around Newtonmore’s well known Wildcat Trail. This is a 10k circular walk which you can start at various places around the village. The “Wildcats” are small stone cat statues scattered around the village of Newtonmore. There are 132 of them with a waiting list of people wanting to have one in their garden, business premises etc. Most are in the village but some can be seen on rooftops, doorsteps, gardens, up trees, so basically anywhere safe.
My next surprise was a lady who had driven up from Glasgow, stayed locally overnight just so she could join us on the walk. I had no idea that she was coming so very pleased that she arrived on time.
We set off at a gentle pace so that those who are recovering from injury could walk part of the way as a group. I think that worked out quite well and when we reached the opposite end of Newtonmore we stopped on the bank the River Spey for a tea break. It was very hard not to stay there all day as it was idyllic. Warm sunshine, softly running water and very good company. It was here that three of our group headed up to the station and back into the village itself.
The rest of us continued our walk alongside The Spey before crossing the road and walking along the bank of the River Calder. Soon after petting the tame lambs and the ponies we had a bit of a climb to do. Nothing like the day before’s Munro and more like a molehill but that’s enough hill for me. As the route was closed through the Calder Gorge we diverted into a field and a steep path on to the Glen Banchor estate. As I turned round for my first breather I could not believe the amazing scenery behind me made all the better by the glorious weather. Who would have believed that the previous weekend was visited by Storm Amy. How could we be so lucky?
A short time later we arrived at my chosen lunch stop with superb views of Glen Banchor and the stunning colours of autumn on full display. We did linger a bit longer as we all wanted to savour the moments of nature at its best. However we did have a deadline and it wasn’t long before we headed around the back of Newtonmore with its multitude of gates to pass through eventually coming out onto Strone Road. From there it was downhill all the way passing some lovely miniature donkeys and a cheeky wee wildcat on the stable roof.
It was a simple task to daunder back to the car park, change out of our boots and head for refreshments. Here we met up with the three people who left the group earlier and we all sat in the sunshine, ice creams, cold drinks etc in our hands.
Thank you all for making my walk a special one, a big thank you to Jacky who kindly volunteered to back mark and a huge thank you to whoever provided the perfect weather for this weekend.
Weekends Photos courtesy of Babs, Betty, Billy, Chris, Lynne: Link to all photos
Kingussie weekend Saturdays walk
Bettys blog
Insh Marshes, Invertromie Trails Feshiebridge, Uath Lochans and Loch Insh
There were 15 of us on the walk from Feshiebridge to Uath Lochans and Loch Insh. Some of us had walked here previously though this was a slightly different version. We planned to have a photo shoot on the old bridge over the River Feshie but unfortunately when we arrived there was scaffolding and workmen on the bridge. There is more to this story which we didn’t know at the time, but Alastair can update you on that! After walking along the river admiring the views along Glen Feshie, we made our way to a short section of road and then to Uath Lochans. We met some of our group doing a shorter walk at the first lochan, where we stopped for lunch. It was then uphill to Farleitter Crag where we looked down on the lochans and you will see by the photographs how stunning the whole area is. It was up again, and down and up, undulating I think we say, to reach the large boulder at the other side of the crags, with more views out over Strathspey. We sang Happy Birthday to a fellow walker who was delighted with our singing and he kindly took a photo of us. After more ups and downs we arrived at Loch Insh where we broke with tradition and stopped for coffee before the end of the walk. After this we really had a spring in our step as we did the last mile. We saw numerous different fungi and we saw gliders from the nearby gliding club. We met lots of nice people, all enjoying being out and about. The autumn colours were magnificent wherever we looked. There were no midges and as far as I am aware no ticks either. The walk was 9 miles due to being on the wrong path at one point, but everyone said it didn’t matter!
Thanks to Babs for being backmarker and for keeping me on track when I strayed and to Christine, Babs and Billy and anyone else for taking photographs. Thanks also to Eric for publishing our photos and blogs. A special thanks to Fiona and Ray who introduced me to this walk back in 2019. Thanks to all of you for coming. I know you all enjoyed the walk even the extra mile.
We have had 6 great walks over the weekend so thanks to Babs and Alastair for their great work. Thanks also to Janet for organising the two short walks so that everyone who wanted a walk could do one.
Weekends Photos courtesy of Babs, Betty, Billy, Chris, Lynne: Link to all photos
Kingussie weekend , Saturday Munro
Alastairs blog
Sgor Gaoith from Glen Feshie
No visit to the Cairngorms would be complete without an expedition to the Cairngorm Plateau and at least one Munro.
The Munro chosen was Sgor Gaoith which is relatively easily accessible from Glen Feshie with a distance measured at 9.5 mls.
Six intrepid mountaineers had an early start from the hotel including a rambler from Aberdeen who was keen to join the party up the hill. Despite various road closures we arrived at our starting point at the car park just off the Achlean Road in Glen Feshie in good time.
The walk up through the Ivereshie and Inshraich National Nature Reserve was very pleasant with a well-made path leading us through natural woodland up onto the open hillside. The views over Badenoch to the rolling Munros of the Monadhliath were spectacular. After a few miles of fairly easy walking the path deteriorated as it climbed up onto the plateau at 3000ft. Unfortunately, we disappeared into the cloud at this point and although there were some promising bursts of sunshine, the cloud cover was determined to stay.
The summit of Sgor Gaoith (1118m) was finally reached after 4hrs walking and although the views were obscured you could sense the immense drop below the craggy scarp face, After lunch it was decided to return the same way taking care not miss key direction changes in the mist.
Coming down from the plateau the views opened up again, and we made fairly quick progress back to the cars.
Overall the walk went very much to plan (7hrs walking) and provided an insight into the variable conditions that can be experienced on the plateaux. Mainly, it provided a sense of achievement in conquering one of the highest Munros in the Cairngorms.
Alastair’s blog
Sgor Gaoith from Glen Feshie
No visit to the Cairngorms would be complete without an expedition to the Cairngorm Plateau and at least one Munro.
The Munro chosen was Sgor Gaoith which is relatively easily accessible from Glen Feshie with a distance measured at 9.5 mls.
Six intrepid mountaineers had an early start from the hotel including a rambler from Aberdeen who was keen to join the party up the hill. Despite various road closures we arrived at our starting point at the car park just off the Achlean Road in Glen Feshie in good time.
The walk up through the Ivereshie and Inshraich National Nature Reserve was very pleasant with a well-made path leading us through natural woodland up onto the open hillside. The views over Badenoch to the rolling Munros of the Monadhliath were spectacular. After a few miles of fairly easy walking the path deteriorated as it climbed up onto the plateau at 3000ft. Unfortunately, we disappeared into the cloud at this point and although there were some promising bursts of sunshine, the cloud cover was determined to stay.
The summit of Sgor Gaoith (1118m) was finally reached after 4hrs walking and although the views were obscured you could sense the immense drop below the craggy scarp face, After lunch it was decided to return the same way taking care not miss key direction changes in the mist.
Coming down from the plateau the views opened up again, and we made fairly quick progress back to the cars.
Overall the walk went very much to plan (7hrs walking) and provided an insight into the variable conditions that can be experienced on the plateaux. Mainly, it provided a sense of achievement in conquering one of the highest Munros in the Cairngorms.
Alastair
Weekends Photos courtesy of Babs, Betty, Billy, Chris, Lynne: Link to all photos
Kingussie weekend Fridays walk
Betty and Babs organised our Autumn weekend away and it will be to Kingussie, staying at the Duke of Gordon Hotel from the 10th October to the 13th October. Betty arranged the walks and Babs arranged the hotel booking.
Many of you have stayed there before but it may be new to some members. It is a typical old Scottish hotel which has undergone some recent refurbishment. Plenty of parking space available and short walk to the local shops for supplies.
Don’t be fooled by the lovely gardens in this photo, they are actually across the road from the hotel but make for a pretty picture.
Babs blog
Insh Marshes, Invertromie Trails
The first of our weekend walks was a circular around the Insh Marshes and we arrived in time to have a bite to eat at the picnic tables. It was a wee bit nippy and I admit to donning my hat while we were waiting to set off. 22 walkers including Janet and Ginny, which was lovely, set off wearing a variety of cosy gear which was swiftly peeled off as we entered more sheltered paths. I am sure I spotted gloves on some.
After a wee detour to a bird watching platform we were told, by some serious twitchers, that a couple of sea eagles were flying over the distant mountains. Not visible to us we carried on along the trail which is littered in parts with tree roots, stones and knee high heather. Not too wet though and my gaitors were next to come off. It never fails to amaze me that people’s tongues never seem to get tired. We wound our way up and down and round about to end up beside the River Tromie. After wandering through a lovely grassy meadow the paths changed to proper ash walkways and soon we were back in the car park. A change of footwear and it was head back to the hotel to book in.
Photos courtesy of Babs, Betty, Billy, Chris, Lynne: Link to all photos
Poems and Paintings along the way
Walk Leader: Lynne
Lynne’s blog :
One train and one bus later, we finally start our walk. There are 11 of us in the group, and we set off at the start of the Water of Leith walk.
After about 30 minutes, we stopped for our tea break, where there was lots of seating – made from girders!!
Gradually, the sound of traffic disappeared, and all we heard was birdsong… oh, and the chatter and laughter from 10 ladies!
Continuing on our way we eventually arrived at Spylaw park, where incidentally a Shed Sale was taking place and very enthusiastic volunteers greeted us – but there were no takers, as no-one wanted to carry extra weight.
We made our way into Colinton village to Cuddies Lane – the first of our “paintings” – a mural by artist Chris Rutterford who also created the art in the Colinton tunnel.
Further into the village the “poems” part came to light – we walked down a flight of steps with boards depicting poems from R.L.Stevenson.
After lunch in the park, and some of us donning our waterproof trousers… we arrived at the said Colinton Tunnel with murals and poems depicting the R.L.Stevenson poem “From a railway carriage”
We carried on with our walk leaving the river and joining the narrow canal towpath with lots of calls of “bike!” and “runner!” and so on, until we reached Lochrin Basin at Fountainbridge where the canal ended.
Everyone seemed to enjoy my walk with a difference and we ended our day with coffee n cake, as is our tradition, before getting our trains back.
Thank you to Billy for being the back marker.
Lynne Bell
Photos courtesy of Betty, Billy, Lynne :Link to all photos
Ramblers – Diamond Jubilee Walk
Walk Leader: Babs
This walk forms part of Ramblers Scotland Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. Expect fun, cake and maybe more on this nice, circular walk in the countryside in and around Muiravonside Park. We can expect woodland paths, grassy paths, gravel paths and the possibility of soft ground or mud depending on the weather conditions, as well as lots of tree roots and long grass to negotiate. There are two stiles to negotiate, possibly twice. Local grade easy C+.
Please note the starting point has been changed to the church car park to avoid paying a £4 parking charge.
We will be passing public toilets around lunchtime.
Starting point: Muiravonside Church car park. The church is no longer in use so don’t worry about it being a Sunday.
Grid Ref: NS956769
Postcode: Location is 405 metres to the West NorthWest of EH49 6LN
Bab’s blog: When I was asked if this walk could be used to celebrate Ramblers Scotland Diamond Anniversary I said no problem. After all cake mentioned and we all know that the ramblers like a wee nibble and a cuppa after a walk.
Little did I know that my guesstimate of 12 to 15 members would grow until 26 of our own members and one visitor had given me their names. We gathered at Muiravonside church for a bit of free parking and set off towards Muiravonside Country Parks own car park where we were meeting two of the number. I have to apologise to these ladies as my ETA was a tad out and they had been waiting a while. It takes a bit of time to get 25 people safely over two stiles which were slippy.
Never mind off we set heading for the furthest westerly point in the park but I was surprised when a little bird chirped in my ear” is it nearly coffee time?” WHAT ?we had tramped a whole mile and a wee bit at that point.
We did indeed break for tea/ coffee and blether and I think all little my birdies were happy to continue. A couple of very nice horses passed by fortunately at a walk and not a gallop but they do leave quite a sizeable deposit on the paths. We wound our way along the riverside path and headed for the cafe and toilet area. Chainsaw Johnny had his unit open where he has lovely wood carvings for sale. A bit heavy for the rucksacks but such a skilled man. The biggest one I could see a price on was £425
Lunch was just around the corner behind the cafe which some took advantage of to buy a coffee and bag a picnic bench. There were too many of us for my proposed lunch spot.
After a photo shoot at the Teasel sculpture it was a loop around this end of the park before heading up to the farm and animals within. Again my apologies to those I left behind not realising that a tortoise visit and the loos had claimed them. Never mind a phone call from back marker Billy stopped me and had him round up the strays.
As we were short on time to reach Klondyke and our reserved tables, we ended up taking the anniversary cake with us. This was duly photographed and I have seen the photos already.
Thank you to all who came, to Allan for organising the cake which looked lovely and to Billy for being such a good back marker.
Photos courtesy of Allan, Betty, Billy, Wendy: Link to all photos
Carriden / Muirhouses Circular
Walk Leader: Babs
Bab’s blog: Just a short walk from me today though there were a few who thought it was longer than I had guesstimated. I had not walked the whole thing but had walked the different sections. Unfortunately in the two weeks since I had done one of the paths a limb had broken off and blocked one of the paths.
We started from the old Carriden church car park and headed off towards Bo’ness beach. There are so many blackberries around but no one picking them. I helped myself to quite a few, no jam making for me.
A wander through the woods and we ended up in Muirhouses and found the witches stone. This commemorates the 5 so called witches and 1 warlock who were tried, found guilty and sentenced to death at the bottom of Pan Brae. “ luckily” they were strangled with a piece of wire before being burned.
Seeing as my path was blocked on the way I wanted to go I reversed that loop so that we could enjoy the lovely view across the Forth. It meant a bit of backtracking but it was such a lovely sunny day I don’t think anyone minded. A nice selection of tree branches / trunks gave us some perfect seating for lunch. Plus we had a very nice view of the bridges while we munched our lunches.
The only heavy shower of rain was over quickly and it was a case of coats on, then coats off again and we started to overheat. After cutting through the Drum housing estate we dropped down a few grassy tracks to end up at the old doocot in Kinnegars Park. The name means rabbit warren and in the 17th century rabbits were kept in a warren for breeding.
Onwards to the Bridgend’s slab before crossing the main road and dropping down to the coastal path. It was not long before we were back at the church car park for a change of footwear.
Belgica was our chosen cafe and our thoughts that it would be really busy were proved wrong. It was very quiet for a Sunday and we could have had a choice of tables.
All in all not a bad Sunday outing.
Photos courtesy of Babs: link to all photos
Forth Valley Ramblers 