Monday, August 27, 2007
No. 48 Cromarty
Saturday 25th August
Another hillwalk thwarted by the weather, but then maybe not such a bad thing. Hannah, Andy and I had planned Glen Affric but the low damp cloud persuaded us to head east to Chanonry point where we would have a better chance of seeing dolphins. Sure enough a distant sighting encouraged us to head along to Cromarty where we enjoyed a sunny stroll up to the top of the South Sutor via Cromarty Stables and the art exhibition of the "Cromarty Group". This innocent little sideshow introduced us the the works of several very talented artists and photographers of the area. 
And lightened my pocket by buying two of Janis Mennie's prints! Here we are recovering from our cultural diversion.
And lightened my pocket by buying two of Janis Mennie's prints! Here we are recovering from our cultural diversion. 
Sunday, August 19, 2007
No. 47 Two for the "Price" of one
Friday 17th August. And here we are at the end of Day two of our Mounth walks. This one was No. 170 - Firmounth from Tarfside to Glen Tanar where Andrew walked in to meet us to make this count as another Fab50. The funny numbers refer to the numbers given to these routes in the "Scottish Hill Tracks" book and "Mounth" is the name given to the long range of hills between Deeside and the Angus Glens. Another wonderful walk made better by the fact we could all walk the route together, without one of us going round the side of any big hill that happened to get in the way. The descent into Glen Tanar gave the impression we could almost reach out and touch the crowns of the magnificent pine trees that blanket the final few miles into the Glen. What a fantastic two days - thanks Wendy and Alan - I'm up for more of the same, if you are?
Number 46 Mount Keen via Route 172
Thursday 16th August
Alan, Wendy and I had had an idea to do a long, two-day walk for awhile and were really looking forward to it - so what could go wrong when Alan's detailed planning went as far as ensuring the wine was there to meet us half-way? Well, it's good to report nothing did go wrong! From setting out from Ballater the weather behaved itself and stayed clear and dry, which is a relief as low cloud and rain would have made these high-level routes a nightmare. I'm also pleased to say that 66.66666% of us did the route in style and went over Mount Keen at 928m high and and only 33.33333% didn't (guess who?). The walk down to the head of Glen Esk was beautiful, with the heather and green fields filling the views with colour. I must mention our unique B&B at House of Mark at Invermark - we were so lucky to be able to stay at this magnificent and welcoming house - only days before Bea calls it a day forever. We wish her well for her new life away from the Glen she has lived in all her life.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Walk 45 Farigaig Forest and the Boleskine bonus
Sunday 5th August
On a weekend up from Glasgow to see her parents, Avril suggested we walk in the forest near Inverfarigaig on south Loch Ness-side. We followed the paths through the woods and couldn't help but notice a touch of autumn in the colour of the mosses and leaves and lichens. Out of curiosity we took a turning towards Easter Boleskine - a garden I had visited in February last year - to walk down to the Loch-side. However Dave and Katy enticed us to their house with a cup of tea and a tour of their garden and building works which clearly, and willingly, consumes all their time. In the course of conversation we discovered that they were collecting stories and photographs of the lives and times of the Dores, Foyers, Inverfarigaig area - an area Avril and her family have been part of for many, many years. Hopefully Avril's mum may be able to help put names to some of the faces in the photos they've unearthed so far. So a bonus for both of us. The lochside photo was taken at Lochan Torr an Tuill.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Walk 44 Pollok re-visited
Wednesday 1 August
It's difficult to believe that it's exactly 20 years since I served my time at Pollok Country Park. Well it is, and sadly in some ways, very little has changed. What isn't different though is the amazing number of places you can walk throughout the park and how popular it is with folk.
The Burrell is still an amazing place, the Wildlife Garden looks incredibly wild, the Demonstration Garden as well tended as ever and the Woodland Garden a special place still. And, I've just realised, we didn't see any Highland Cattle - my favourite feature of Pollok when I was there. Where were they?? This was a Fab50 in the true sense with Kay and Lilian providing the craic in good Glasgow tradition.
Number 43 Waiting for the bus on a Sunday
Sunday 29th July
Shopping is a vital part (not) of any Fab50 so Rachel and I counted this one as our walk, cos we felt like it. This was a Sunday morning stroll down to the North Kessock shop and we are wating for the bus to take us back up the hill, one stop up the road - which was pretty futile as there are next to no buses on a Sunday!
Number 42 Royal Dornoch no less
Friday 27th July
Just to prove that we take our "walks of golf" very seriously Paul and I chose a very serious course for our Fab50 outing. Liz kindly put her repuation as vice captain on the line, and Rachel gave up a good read, to accompany us ... so far. The course and the weather were exceptionally good to us and Paul and I made a brave attempt at conquering this beautiful and very demanding course. Just so there's no doubt where we were ...there is some doubt about whether we'll get invited back though. Thanks Liz.
