14th March 2020

Ochils Test The OLOL Hikers

Wintry blasts over the Ochil hills sent a chill through the members of Our Lady of Lourdes Hiking Club at the weekend.

The day started off with the hikers' coach getting thoroughly stuck in the rain-saturated car park just off the A 823 in Glen Devon. However the unfortunate occurrence didn't hinder the hikers setting off in two groups to meander in a south-westerly direction through the hills to Tillicoultry. 

A large group of nearly twenty-eight high-level walkers trekked along good paths  through Glen Sherup forest where a relentlessly, steep and slippy track took the hikers up and out of the immature planting to clear moorland. Visibility was poor in the wind & icy rain, but it didn't prevent the snowy ascent of Innerdownie (613m) and Tarmangie Hill (645m).Meanwhile the low level group of 19 took an equally boggy route  along the western edge of Glen Sherup reservoir to windy Scad Hill (586m), experiencing some icy rain on the way.. 

Both groups followed a common track shortly after that, crossing over Maddy Moss, skirting around the base of Andrew Gannel hill and taking the high track to reach the knee-jarring steps down to Tilliecoultry. Those daring to take their eyes off the steep track for a few seconds were treated to spectacular views across the Forth valley.

A relaxing social hour at the Highland Gate at Stirling ended a challenging day in the hills.

Terry McGeary

29th February 2020

Hikers Solve Mystery

Local walking group - Our Lady of Lourdes Hiking Club -  was out at the weekend defying  storm Jorge in order to complete a mystery hike.

This annual event attracted a near-capacity coach-load of members eager to enjoy a sociable 'club' walk with high and low level hikers together. The prospect of a meal at the end was no doubt another attraction.

As the coach veered towards the Queensferry Crossing it became clear that an east coast hike was on the cards. The starting point was at Ardross on the north side of the Firth of Forth, just a kilometre east of Elie.

The heart of the storm was still some hours away and the weather was mainly sunny, if a tad breezy. The mystery route was along the Fife coastal path for 12 kilometres westwards to Lower Largo, birthplace of Alexander Selkirk whose experience of being marooned on South Pacific island for four years,  inspired Daniel Defoe's classic tale 'Robinson Crusoe'.

The seascape and views across the Forth were stunning, encouraging many phone photographers to snap the south coast, the Bass Rock near Dunbar and oil rigs tethered in the choppy waters.

Oystercatchers and many other shorebirds calling, together with skylarks trilling overhead gave the impression that long-awaited springtime might not be so far away.

Historic interest adding to the glorious scenery included towers, ancient stone ruins of a castle and chapel, as well as relatively modern concrete remains of WWII anti-tank defences and gun emplacements. 

After a windy lunch on the rocks around the halfway point the group strolled along the beach to meet the coach at Lower Largo, a quirky little village with a lot of artistic interest along with Selkirk's birthplace.

Having been quick on their walk the hikers had some time spare for refreshments before  their delicious meal at Pettycur Bay Caravan Park, near Kinghorn. 

As the coach returned to EK the Jorge was starting to do his worst and OLOL thanked their lucky stars for having had a tremendous day out ahead of the storm.

Terry McGeary

15th February 2020

A Stormy Day in Peebles

Storm Dennis may have done his best to deter hikers at the weekend but failed to keep Our Lady of Lourdes Hiking Club members safely tucked up at home.

Being made of stouter stuff the intrepid East Kilbride walkers headed off to Peebles to tackle a low and a high route to the north-west and south-east of the town, respectively.

Both groups headed off from the riverside carpark, with 18 low levellers making their way through the streets past the Rosetta campsite. Their intended circular route took them along the bank of Eddleston Water then westwards up White Meldon, a substantial hill at 427m.  As the walk progressed, and Dennis starting blowing  increasingly stronger, it was decided for safety reasons to cut out this higher aspect and opt for a lower radio mast hill and take a shortcut. Towards the end having had gale and stinging rain blasted at them, the hikers had to wade through knee-deep snow drifts for a short distance.

Meanwhile the high level group was facing similar difficulties due to the menace of Dennis. The proposed ascent of Hundleshope Heights at 685m was judged hazardous in the worsening conditions and, again, a decision was made to use discretion and quit after Dead Side. 

The high and low groups were able to keep in touch by phone and as a result arrived back at the carpark, in driving rain, an hour early within around 20 minutes of each other. 

The silver lining, of course, meant that the warmth and comfort of Peebles' pubs and tearooms were achieved earlier than expected. Everyone was happy to be warm & dry once again. 

Terry McGeary

7th December 2019

It's Xmas Hike Time Again (Oh, Yes It Is!)

Who needed a pedometer to realise that Our Lady of Lourdes Hiking Club's recent hike along the John Buchan Way was a lot more than 39 steps?

But the 52  jolly hikers were not the least worried since they had started their day at the Cornhill Castle Hotel near Biggar, where they tucked into a hot roll buffet and a hot drink to set them up for the day.

Duly sustained, the group hopped back on the coach for a drop-off point near Stobo. Who can tell what the deer and sheep must have been thinking as they spied the long trail of walkers dressed up as Santa to varying degrees - some members flashing multicolours as they walked- meandering through their boggy hills en route to Peebles.

The weather was incredibly kind though, with the promised rain only starting as the Santas made their way through the streets to the coach.

After a quick change of clothes back at the hotel the members held a raffle (amazingly everyone got a prize!) then enjoyed a three course Christmas dinner before heading home.

 It had been one of those days to remember. 

Terry McGeary

23rd November 2019

Maidens to Dunure

Large numbers of Our Lady of Lourdes Hiking Club's members marching along an Ayrshire beach meant its recent walk somewhat resembled a coastal invasion.

The 'club walk', in which  high and low level walkers hike together, saw 45 hikers make their way from Maidens to Dunure along part of the Ayr Coastal Path. 

The weather was fine with an early threat of raining coming to nothing as the group headed along the shoreline to enter the grounds of stately Culzean castle where a brief 'banana break' at the gas house refreshed the hikers for the final leg of the walk. A scattering of shore birds provided interest including many mute swans, mallard, oystercatchers and even a few Brent geese that had dropped in from Siberia for the winter. The previous high tide had subsided enough to allow easy access to a nice walk along firm sand. The finish up and over farmland to Dunure itself, passing a WW2  observation platform, provided great views, with Arran, Holy Island and Ailsa Craig ('Paddy's Milestone')  hazily visible through the sea mist.

Club walks give people the chance to chat with others they don't always walk beside on their high or low walk.

Terry McGeary

9th November 2019

The delights of the Galloway hills were sampled by Our Lady of Lourdes Hiking Club on their recent walk.

The first coach stop in the morning was at Dobbies garden centre in Ayr for a spot of breakfast for some. A half hour journey farther south, via Dalmellington, saw the hikers arrive  near Loch Doon, a current reservoir that provides water powering hydroelectric generators. 

The weather was dry and chilly but ideal at least for the low level hikers who were dropped off first near Drumjohn. This walk was on easy LRT (Land Rover Track)  maintained for forestry and reservoir requirements. In no time at all the hikers had a wonderful view over Loch Doon. 

The loch has been used for airforce pilot training since WWI. Sadly during WWII the area was the location of two tragic pilot deaths during training exercises in Spitfires. One pilot crashed into the loch and while, decades later, his plane was recovered and restored his body was never found. The other RAF pilot crashed into the nearby forest where the wreckage lies to this day.

The low levellers ended their walk exploring an old, abandoned lead-mining village, Woodhead. An active mine for several decades in the 19th century, Woodhead's last villager left as late as 1954.

The high level hikers had a tougher and chillier climb with  windchill making the 797m summit, Cairnsmore of  Carsphairn, feel like -12 Celsius. A dusting of snow gave hikers the first real taste of winter. Visibility was good however, and gave the frozen walkers reasonable views. Descending to lower ground was a thermal relief as the group made its way back down to the strangely named Green Well of Scotland, reaching the coach 15 minutes before the others.

Terry McGeary

12th October 2019

 Hikers Find Their Way to the Southern Uplands

The rolling Lowther Hills in the Southern Uplands caught the attention of Our Lady of Lourdes Hiking Club recently.

Heading off at 8 a.m. by coach from the Murray Owen Centre car park the group's first stop was a welcome 20 mins at services for a coffee. 

The low level hike followed an LRT ('Land Rover Track') taking the hikers into forest on the shoulder of Clackleith  Hill, past active timber operations and onto a short section of the Southern Upland Way. By lunch time the group had caught up with the  high group that had been dropped off first at Nether Cog and had already climbed their first hill, Wedder Dodd (445m) .

The groups parted company at the lunch stop with the high group making its final ascent of the day, 485 m Conrig Hill, before arriving back at the coach at Nether Cog half an hour after the others.

The social stop at the Red Moss Hotel, a formerly popular truckers stop on the A74,  proved the biggest challenge of the day however as hungry and thirsty hikers queued up to be served by a single barman. Refreshments, as well as plates of chips and bowls of soup, soon had everyone chirpy again and appreciating the warmth and comfort.

Our friendly, thriving club welcomes all wishing to try hillwalking. Walks at two different levels are offered, with newcomers initially joining low level walkers .

Some of the club's  walks, including this one, can be sampled on YouTube ('Scotland's Mighty Mountains').

Terry McGeary

14th September 2019

Walks in Dunkeld

The venue for the outing on Saturday 14 September was the Dunkeld area and the weather was forecast to be "reasonable" and dry for most of the day in that area. A short breakfast stop on the way north helped to maintain energy levels as well as providing an opportunity to chat with friends. The High Level Group was dropped off first at a layby on the B 867 road by Stare Dam close to Birnam. The Low Level Group was transported a little further north and started their outing from Dunkeld town itself. The route for the Low walkers led them west through wooded terrain close to the Cathedral and eventually on to the bank of the River Tay which was flowing quite high due to recent heavy rains. There were some magnificent specimens of trees located in this area of woodland which led to cameras appearing and much discussion regarding the possible age of the trees. The forest track being followed led north through Rotmell Wood and eventually to Rotmell Loch, a very picturesque little spot, where lunch was enjoyed  in very relaxed circumstances. From here direction was reversed to head south by Mill Dam and the sawmill from which emanated the most wonderful smell of cut pine wood. Dunkeld was reached without the group having to endure any rain which was a very pleasant experience and was commented on by all walkers thus completing a delightful walk through some of Scotland's most splendid countryside.

From their start point the High Walkers struck out west and then south-west through wooded country and made their way to King's Seat, a local vantage point providing great views out over the Obney Hills. There were occasions where progress was hampered by thick undergrowth but in general the group made good progress around the north side of the Obney Hills, picking up a good track close to Balliomish Farm which led them on to the A822 road. A short distance along this road led them to the quaintly named Rumbling Bridge which takes its name from the waterfalls in this vicinity. A track in through the woods from here leads to the area known as The Hermitage and The Falls of Braan. This area is home to some of the tallest trees in Scotland and to the quaint Hermitage building perched on the edge of the rocky cliff overlooking the falls. It was an easy stroll from here into Dunkeld and the waiting bus. A quick change of clothes and it was then time to inspect the local watering holes prior to heading south through the extensive road works back to East Kilbride. A really pleasant day out made all the better with the absence of rain.

John Convery

Walk Report 17th August 2019

Arran Hikes Never Fail To Thrill

Hikes on Arran recently left members of Our Lady of Lourdes Hiking Club breathless: not only from the climbing but equally from the beauty of this island popularly referred to as "Scotland in miniature".

A packed coach brought the group to Ardrossan to catch a morning ferry to Brodick where the hikers split into high and low level groups, using different local buses to reach the start of their walks.

The low level walk started at Lamlash, looking over to Holy Island, now a base for Buddhist monks. A short walk northwards by the shore led to a number of steep climbs that soon rewarded members with breathtaking views south to Holy Island and north over sparkling azure Brodick Bay to Goat Fell and the rugged peaks around. It wasn't all plain sailing, however, and the hikers had to repeatedly don and remove waterproofs as the elements toyed with them, offering bright sun one moment and sudden rain the next, during the 5 hour walk. 

Meanwhile, the high walkers had been dropped off at the String Road (B880) for a northerly approach onto Ben Nuis (792m) via the western shoulder of Cul nan Creagan. Again panoramic views made this an unforgettable climb. Some may have found it a fairly tough and rugged, but all were elated as they made their back to Brodick via Glen Rosa to meet the others. 

This fabulously successful outing ended for some with a local fish supper or  an excellent CalMac meal on board the last ferry back to the mainland.

Terry McGeary

Walk Report 6th July 2019

Tyndrum Hikes for Local Hiking Group

A couple of walks  in the Tyndrum area was the target of Our Lady of Lourdes Hiking Club recently. After a brief stop at Callander the coach dropped off the hikers near Auchtertyre. Both groups started off by  passing the picturesque ruins of St.Fillan's Priory and a local graveyard.

The high level route was a challenging  1025m unrelenting climb up the Munro Ben Challum. The group was on a high when the summit was reached and enjoyed fantastic, panoramic views.

Meanwhile, the low altitude hikers took a more leisurely route along the eastern shoulder of neighbouring Beinn Chaorach (818m) and walked along a land rover track. Although the maximum height reached was 560m, the hikers were still delighted with the views.

The day finished as usual with a social hour, this time back at Callander for an ice cream, scone or a liquid refreshment.

Terry McGeary

Winter wonderland on the OLOL low-level hike from Portend to Callander via Loch Venachar.

Low-level hikers take a breath by the 'Loch-with-no-name'

Walk Report 16th February 2019

OLOL Pound the Pentlands

Our Lady of Lourdes Hiking Club enjoyed a very full  coach load on its recent hike to the Pentland Hills.

Stopping for a comfort break in West Calder, the coach carried on to Little Vantage,  a small 'watering hole' part way along the old drove 'road' and walking route across the Pentlands known curiously as the Cauldstane Slap.

From here the hikers divided up, as is their custom, into a low and high level group. In fact on this occasion there was little difference in the routes taken, the high levellers only bagging in one extra small hill compared to the others.

It is fascinating to imagine how busy this route over to West Linton was in its hey-day. 150,000 cattle each year were herded over the Cauldstane Slap heading for markets in the north of England.

According to the Edinburgh City Council senior ranger Duncan Monteith  "It was perhaps the busiest drove road in Scotland - the M6 of its day - taking cattle down from Scotland to the English markets. It was probably used as a drove road for about 300 years, right up until the early part of the 20th century."

The thunder of thousands of hooves is now history, as hikers only saw a few cattle in fields near West Linton. But the weather was kind with some sunshine providing pleasant views all the way to the Forth bridges and over to Fife. Indeed some hikers were able to pinpoint West and East Lomond hills there, where they had walked last year.

The 10 miles made for a great walk for both groups and was followed by a social hour at Carnwath before heading home.

This walk will be available on YouTube (Terry McGeary OLOL Hikes).

Terry McGeary

 Walk Report 2/2/19

OLOL Hikers Take The High Road

Our Lady of Lourdes  Hiking Club will long remember its recent walk for the stunning views and crisp, but sunny weather. The hikers were dropped off as a large low level group at Drymen, and a smaller group of high levellers at Milton of Buchanan.

The low level hike took the walkers along the road leaving Drymen initially, before striking off onto the West Highland Way (WHW) through Garadhban Forest for a few kilometres. The route was snowy but easy, and the walkers made good time reaching Conic Hill above Balmaha for an idyllic lunch stop gazing over Loch Lomond's Highland Boundary Fault islands to the white Arrochar Alps beyond. 

Meanwhile the high level group had met the WHW ahead of the others and headed north to climb Gualann ( 461 m), lunching in brilliant sunshine and clear blue skies before back-tracking and finishing with an ascent of Conic Hill (also 461 m).

Both groups descended the busy hill to Balmaha before a trip back to Drymen to end a memorable outing with a pleasant social hour in the welcoming Winnock Hotel.

This hike and others can be viewed on YouTube ('Scotland's Mighty Mountains').

Walk Report 5/1/19

2019 Starts With A Big OLOL Club Walk

Our Lady of Lourdes Hiking Club began its walking year with a club walk that all could take part in and led traditionally by the club president.

Suitably refreshed after a stop at Dobbies Garden Centre at Sandyford for rolls and coffees the group of 33 was ably led by Donald Smith on a pleasant 13 Km wander along the banks of the Clyde from Kirkfieldbank to Mauldslie bridge, Rosebank. 

Highlights of this amble along a short section of the 65 Km (40 mile) Clyde Walkway included some Scottish bird life and some a few south American mammals. Solitary herons here and there stood patiently awaiting their lunch to swim by, smart back and white dippers actively dashed underwater to get theirs and haughtey llamas deigned to notice our noisy gaggle of hikers as we strolled by.

Dry and mild weather made for  pleasant walking  with only occasional muddy patches to avoid. 

The Popinjay hotel at Rosebank was convenient and chosen as the venue for the social hour before returning home.

Terry McGeary

Walk Report 12 May 2018

Drumochter Passes for Great Hillwallks

Our Lady of Lourdes Hillwalking Club headed up the A9 to the famous Drumochter Pass for its latest outing.A coffee stop at Pitlochry set the members up for their walk a bit farther north. Two main groups tackled a Munro each. These are the hills reaching a height of at least 3000 ft.

Group A were dropped off at a layby near the Dalnaspidal Forest, a 'forest' it seems only in name for not a single tree was spotted! The walk took the members initially westwards along a landrover track running parallel to the river All Coire Dhomhain and offering tantalising views of the summit of Sgairneach Mhòr, its snowy cornices striking in the sunshine.  After fording several streams a steep climb followed southwards, just after the steep sloped cone the Sow of Atholl, bringing them up to a height of around 750 m. After this the going was easier as the hikers made their way in an westerly direction to the final height of 991 m (3251 ft) carefully resisting any temptation to step on the treacherous snowy edge as they sat having lunch with stunningly clear views for many miles around.

Group B were dropped a short distance farther on up the A9 and with the other Munro of the day Geal-charn at 3009 ft firmly in its sights. This group's walk started at Balnasporran Cottages with a river crossing and a fair landrover track to follow up for a couple of kilometres. When this petered out another kilometre through  the heather-covered hillside lead westwards  to the summit, directly north of the other group. After a sunny lunch on the stony hilltop, with panoramic views again of the surrounding mountains and Loch Ericht glittering below, the group made its way down the south side and picked up another landrover track to take it back to Balsporran Cottages.A wonderful day out was had by all, made doubly special for one jubilant member for whom Sgairneach Mhòr was her very first Munro.After a social hour in Pitlochry the hikers made the easy trek home by coach.

 The club's hill walk videos can be seen here  http://bit.ly/ScotlandsMountains

Terry McGeary

Walk Report 28th April

Ben Venue & The Trossachs

The Club outing on Saturday 28th April was to the very popular Trossachs Area and members could hardly believe their luck when the morning dawned dry and reasonably mild. On this occasion three groups were formed with the High Levellers taking on Ben Venue (727m high), the Low Walkers tackling a route of 16 kms from the Dukes Pass, via Loch Drunkie and finishing at Loch Katrine, and a much smaller group opting for a genteel stroll along by Loch Katrine covering about 10 kms in total.The High Walkers were dropped off first at The Loch Achray Hotel, the Low Walkers were next with the start of their route being at the View Point at the top of the Forest Drive from the Dukes Pass and finally the Strollers rode the bus to what would become the pick-up point for all, the car park at the Visitor Centre at Loch Katrine from where they had easy access to the pier and the walking area along the loch shore.

The High Group had easy access on to the main path leading to Ben Venue from the rear of the Hotel and it was then a case of following the recently up graded trail, for approximately 5 kms up Gleann Riabhach, with some rocky ascents to tackle, gradually gaining height until the summit was reached. Visibility was good with excellent views enjoyed over Loch Katrine to the north, Ben Ledi to the east and Ben Lomond to the west. What a pleasant change from the winter conditions experienced recently. The descent was straight forward although care was necessary on the rocky outcrops, and despite the onset of rain for the last hour of the walk out, the members considered the effort worthwhile and enjoyable.

The Low Walkers took to one of the several sections of old traditional walking paths which are still to be found in this area right at the start of their walk from the top of the Dukes Pass. Using these old paths in conjunction with stretches of much newer tracks and in some cases taking to the "Forest Drive" ensured a good variety of walking surfaces, hill views and meandering streams. The views around Loch Drunkie were particularly attractive but apart from some interesting birds very little wild life was to be seen. The rain also came upon this group towards the end of their walk but being well wrapped and zipped up any discomfort was looked upon as minor.

The small group of "strollers" enjoyed their outing along by the loch side.  The opportunity was taken to get up close and personal with the steamer "Walter Scott" which was tied up at the pier.

 A very happy group of walkers joined together for a pleasant social hour in Callander.

John Convery

14th April 2018. The High level group on the top of West Lomond.

Walk Report - 3rd March 2018

Aberlady to North Berwick 

Our Lady of Lourdes Hiking Club members hiked through the still thick snow remnants of Storm Emma recently as they made their way along a coastal route east of Edinburgh. 

The track chosen was from the nature reserve at Aberlady Bay eastwards to the seaside town of North Berwick. 

Ideal for ornithologists and geologists alike the trail wound its way past mudflats favoured by waders and seabirds of many kinds, over sedimentary and igneous rocks with the occasional extinct volcano (such as North Berwick Law) always in sight. The Bass Rock, itself a 100m/330ft volcanic plug and bird sanctuary with thousands of gannets hove into view towards the end. 

The terrain varying throughout from deep snow to beach sand, gravel and basalt rock made for an interesting walk along the south coast of the Firth of Forth passing by Fidra island. 

Having had a good start to the day with a roll stop at Dobbies Garden Centre the members had an even better finish with a delicious High Tea at North Berwick's Nethy Abbey Hotel before heading home.

Terry McGeary