News for 2010
Walking in the Arrochar Alps 10th July 2010
The weather forecasts for Saturday 10 July were not at all encouraging as the Club headed north by Loch Lomond to the drop off point at Arrochar. As they disembarked from the bus at the head of Loch Long members were relieved to see that there was no rain actually falling but on the down side the bad news was that mountain tops were covered in mist. Consequently, in the interests of safety, the High Levellers made a decision to alter their plans and instead of full frontal attack on Beinn Narnain (926m and a Munro) followed by a traverse across to A'Chrois, 848m, they decided to follow a more genteel route and ascend Beinn Narnain using the Cobbler path. This involves using a somewhat longer but less steep track up to the Bealach a' Mhaim located at an elevation of 640m between The Cobbler and Beinn Narnain and then walking up the north west ridge of the Munro. All this was accomplished without too much difficulty and the summit cairn was reached even though the top was enveloped in mist and views were obscured on this occasion. It was cold and windy but sufficient shelter was found amongst the rocks to have a welcome break for lunch before applying minds to the task of continuing on to A' Chrois. An assesment was made of the poor visibility, the time already used to reach this point and the probable onset of heavy rain later in the afternoon and a decision was made to turn back and return down to the bus at Arrochar.
The Low Levellers meantime also walked up the Cobbler path to the Bealach A'Mhaim from which point they struck out to the north east and descended down a fairly steep grassy slope into the Allt Coiregrogain which skirts around the north side of A'Chrois. The difficult part of this route was the relatively short section across the Bealach and down the steep slope but the remainder was on well established walking paths and forest tracks. The Low Levellers always kept below the clouds and mist and thus they were able to enjoy reasonably good views from Coiregrogain out to the north across Glen Loin and on to Ben Lomond. The route down Coiregrograin compensates somewhat for the hard slog up the Cobbler path in that it is all downhill, always a welcome feature towards the end of any walk. Both groups reached the bus at Succoth with minutes of each other and following a quick change were transported to Helensburgh and the comforts of the Commodore Inn and a much anticipated social hour. The other much anticipated item was the heavy rain and it arrived just about the time the bus set off for the return journey to East Kilbride, but that was all right, at least the rain held off until after the hike.
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Walking in the Tynedrum Area 12th June 2010
The target area for the Club on Saturday 12 June was Glen Lochy on the road to Oban with the High Levellers aiming at Ben Lui whilst the Low Levellers took on a longer than normal hike from Corrygoil to Inverarnan at the north end of Loch Lomond, a distance of some 20 kms. It was an almost perfect day for walking with a clear sky, warm temperatures and no wind. Following a quick stop at Tyndrum it was on to Glen Lochy and the drop off for the high walkers first. A feature of this start was that within a few minutes of setting off, a major river crossing had to be made, but expectations proved to be correct and the water was very shallow at the point of crossing presenting no significant problem. It was then into the forest on the south east side of the river following the walking track ever upwards through the trees and eventually on to the steep open slopes of the mountain itself. This approach to Ben Lui is probably the shortest route in to it but some consider it as one of the steepest. The excellent weather conditions were a most welcome bonus and although it was hard work toiling up the slopes there was much pleasure in looking back at the magnificent views opening out to the north. The summit, at 1130m, was reached safely in bright and windy conditions and with it a full appreciation of the splendid panorama extending for miles all around. Ben Lui is the highest mountain in this area and consequently its summit provides an ideal spot, especially on a day such as Saturday, to savour this wonderful corner of Scotland. There was a marked reluctance to descend and under the conditions lunch was not to be hurried. The decision had to be eventually made however and the return down the ridge, down through the forest and back across the river was achieved without incident. It was then a quick change of clothing and down the road to meet up with the Low Walkers for the much anticipated social hour at Inverarnan.
Whilst all this was going on the Low Walkers had been transported another three miles west to the start of their walk at Corrygoil. Their route led them in by Succoth Lodge and along by the very deep gorge known as the Eas a Ghaill. Initially the walk was through original indigenous forest which at this time of year is beautifully green and lush and presented the most pleasant walking conditions in the warm summer air. Later the forest changed to more modern pine variety and with it came the all pervading smell of pine which most walkers considered they liked. Open hillside was eventually reached as was the highest point on the hike at approximately 550m and it seemed almost compulsory to have lunch at this spot. Warm sunshine, a back drop of three munros to the north, Meall an Fhudair immediately to the south and lurking over to the south east, just out of sight, Loch Lomond. All this added up to a leisurely lunch and the opportunity to relax on the soft grassy slopes. Reluctantly a restart was made and a route negotiated around the large water pipes which dominate the mountainside in this area. It was then a case of following a well made track down Gleann Caorann, into Glen Falloch and on to the finish at The Drovers Inn at Inverarnan and what a welcome sight it was. In the hot conditions thirst levels were extremely high. A longer than usual hike completed safely in very pleasant conditions and at a pace which allowed appreciation of the magnificent countryside.
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Walking in the Lake District 29th May 2010
Saturday 29th May and the Club set off south for a change to cross the border into England. The target area was the Lake District and in particular the village of Braithwaite near Keswick. This is always a very popular outing as was evidenced by the large turnout of members and friends. All walkers started from Braithwaite with the High Levellers climbing 61 steps to reach the ridge path leading up the slopes known as Sleet How and on to Grisedale Pike, the Low Levellers crossing the picturesque old stone bridge in the centre of the village and heading south towards their target which was Cat Bells and, in a deviation from normal practice, a third group, taking a leisurely stroll through the flat lands at the north end of Derwent Water and into Keswick. The sky was overcast but most of the summits were clear and the temperature was reasonably warm. Rain was forecast.
As the High Levellers forged their way up the side of Grisedale Pike the views to the east down over Derwent Water and Keswick opened out beautifully but it had to be noted that the wind force increased significantly and the large bulk of Skiddaw to the north was being enveloped in mist. A traverse of the rocky top of Grisedale Pike was accomplished safely and on to the summit of Hopegill Head but here luck ran out and the group found themselves in wet clinging mist propelled by strong winds, not the most endearing of climatic conditions. At this point the route called for a steep descent to the south and with it came temporary relief from the wind and mist. The opportunity was taken for a drum-up. Grasmoor and Crag Hill should have been filling the field of vision ahead but instead there was only a wall of mist. Refreshed to some degree the group plodded onwards and upwards to the summit cairn on top of Crag Hill, elevation 839m and a very windy and misty spot it was on this occasion. From here it was all down hill back to Braithwaite with conditions getting clearer and warmer with every metre dropped. It was a tired but satisfied group which joined the bus for the short ride into Keswick to join their friends for the social hour.
Whilst all this was going on the two Low Level groups left the delights of Braithwaite behind and went their separate ways into the very pleasant countryside to the south of the town. A series of small roads and tracks led through Swinside getting the members ever closer to Cat Bells. This small hill, elevation 451m, is one of the most popular vantage points in the area due its location right on the edge of Derwent Water and provides excellent views across the lake and on to Keswick. The "strollers" turned north for a genteel walk through Portinscale and on to Keswick whilst the main group of Low Levellers headed south to the summit of Cat Bells before taking the route through Portinscale. The views from the top, whilst not at their best due to the damp conditions, still provided much pleasure and satisfaction. At the end of the hike time was taken for a little exploration of Keswick with the market being of particular interest to many.
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Walking in Andorra 18th to 25th May 2010
On Tuesday 18th May a group from the Club flew down to Barcelona for the start of a seven day, three country holiday with the emphasis on hiking in the Pyrenees. Despite a certain amount of apprehension regarding flight disruption by volcanic ash clouds everything passed off smoothly. Prior to heading into the mountains of Andorra, which were the main target of the trip, time was taken to visit the incredibly impressive setting of Montserrat located high in the hills inland from Barcelona. Montserrat is one of Spain's most spectacular sights, with astonishing rock formations, a monastery and fabulous views of the Llobregat Valley. It also provides a starting point for several walks through scenery quite different to anything available in Scotland and involving rock formations of staggering proportions. Members just had to comment that warm sunshine and the absence of mud added a whole new dimension to the business of walking.
The second country of the trip was Andorra and a "base camp" of the most pleasant kind was set up at an altitude of approximately 5,000 ft. in the Sport Hotel in Soldeu. Over the next three days two hikes were undertaken in Andorra and one over the border in France. All hikes were under the leadership of experienced local guides. It was interesting to learn that Andorra was in the process of recovering from the heaviest snow falls experienced in decades. The result of this was that just about all the higher mountains were still covered and presented a most magnificent spectacle. It was also pointed out to the group by the guides that even some of the lower passes where walking should normally be possible were out of bounds due to the risk of avalanche. The local advice was that hiking should take place on south facing slopes only. The highest point reached by the group was approximately 7,500 ft. on the shores of a small frozen lake surrounded by towering snow-clad peaks. The drum-up at this spot in warm sunshine and under a cloudless sky will probably be the most memorable and impressive ever experienced by this group. A feature of the hike in France was the finish in the village of Ax-les-Thermes in the middle of which there is located a hot pool supplied from underground thermal springs. The joy of removing boots and steeping feet in this pool was a thing to behold.
By the end of the third day in Andorra mutterings were to be heard amongst the members that the return of the volcanic ash cloud might be welcomed at this juncture but alas it was not to be and all boarded the bus early the next morning for the five hour journey south to Barcelona and a tour of that most impressive of cities. It was a Spanish holiday and the city was at its most vigorous and vibrant. Stalls of every variety, street artistes in the Ramblas, new foods and wines to seek out and all in a few hours. It was a difficult task but the members tackled it with enthusiasm.
The last night was spent in the beach resort of Calafell and since the sea was right outside the front door most members took advantage of this and enjoyed a dip in the Med. The return journey to Glasgow was trouble free and it was interesting to learn that on this occasion at least it really was a return to "sunny" Glasgow.
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Walking in the Glen Trool Area 15th May 2010
The target area for the Club on Saturday 15th May was the Glen Trool area and the weather was "reasonable" with warm temperatures, high cloud levels and no rain. All things considered, not a bad day for walking. Although it may not be popular with some "purists" because of the absence of munros the Glen Trool area is a very pleasent part of the country, offering interesting walks and fairly easy access by car. All walkers started from the same point which was the visitor centre at Stroan Bridge and the aim was to get the Low Walkers to the top of the hill known as Bennan, 562m high whilst the High Levellers made their way to the summit of Benyellery, 719m high. The major part of these walks covered the same forest trails and, because of fairly extensive felling of trees in recent times, both groups enjoyed extensive views out over the Rig of Stroan and the general Glen Trool area. It was a long and reasonably genteel climb for the members up to the area of Bennan at which point the Low Walkers swung south and walked the half kilometer to the mast, the summit cairn and the building which dominate the summit of this hill. Ignoring the signs of "civilization" the views out to the south were very impressive in the clear air, especially out over the Fell of Eschoncan and Loch Trool. Time was taken for a drum-up and it was then back to business and an about-turn north on to the slopes of Corse Crag to make contact with the track descending from Benyellary and dropping down to an area known as Culsharg. This part of the walk was the most rugged and exposed area but fortunately good progress was made due mainly to the good weather and fine walking conditions. From Culsharg it was a fairly straightforward descent back to Stroan Bridge and the waiting bus thus completing a total distance of some 19 kms whilst enjoying some of the most impressive scenery the south of Scotland has to offer. In the meantime the High Walkers were also making their way up to the Bennan area but instead of turning on to the summit of that hill this group continued on north-east up the slopes of Benyellary to the summit cairn at 719m elevation. A very cold wind was blowing at this height but visibility was excellent and the views of The Merrick (the highest point in this area) were very clear indeed. Alas, due to time constraints, the members were not planning to reach the Merrick and so, after a short break, started the descent down to Culsharg, following the same route as that taken by their Low Level friends. Both groups arrived back at the visitor centre at Stroan Bridge earlier than expected and in warm, bright sunshine, just ideal conditions for an ice cream and a few minutes of relaxation prior the the return trip to East Kilbride. On the wqy back home time out was taken for a well deserved social hour in Girvan.
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Walking in the Glen Ample Area 1st May 2010
Extremely heavy rain battering the bus on the way north on Saturday morning 01st May did little to raise spirits amongst the members as they headed to the target area for the day, close to the village of Strathyre. Eternal optimists that they are they took refuge in the hope offered by the weather forecast which indicated that things would clear up as the day progressed. The High Level Group was dropped off first at a place called Ardchullarie More, approximately three miles south of Strathyre. The aim for this group was to walk up through the forest into Glen Ample and then climb the steep slopes of Beinn Each to reach the summit at 813m. This mountain is not high enough to be a Munro but it is listed as a Corbett which is the category, one classification down, from a munro. The Low Level Group continued in the bus the short distance north to drop off in Strathyre from where they struck out to the east, climbing steadily on good quality track up through the forest to finally emerge on open hillside at about 600m above the village. Although the sky remained grey and overcast the cloud levels did lift and no rain fell as predicted by the forecast much to the relief of the walkers. The highest point reached by the Low Level Group, being anything but "low" on this occasion, was 630m as they crossed over the ridge between Strathyre and Glen Ample and from here they virtually looked straight on the slopes of Stuc a' Chroin and Beinn Each on the east side of Glen Ample. The visibility was good, the air was clear and the tiny little figures of their High Level friends could be seen making their way up the steep slopes of Beinn Each. From the ridge the Low Levellers began their long, slow descent down the large grassy slopes to the bottom of Glen Ample and the well made track which is located there. Apart from one or two minor slips and "rear-end landings" all descended safely and celebrated with a well deserved break and some refreshments at the bottom. From here it was an easy stroll down the glen to the bus waiting at Ardchullarie More. The low route completed on this occasion was a new one for the Club and all who took part in the hike enjoyed the sense of achievement provided by this "first" in addition to the normal delights of the walk.
It was a hard slog for the High Levellers but the top was eventually reached and with it exposure to splendid views but also bitingly cold winds. There was the additional interest of a hill race in full swing, over the summit of the beinn and the sight of the runners leaping and plunging their way down the slopes into Glen Ample was a sight to behold. Men of iron indeed. At a much more sedate pace the High Levellers made their way cautiously down the slopes following the zig-zag path to the relative safety of the bottom of the glen whilst pondering the type of "fuel" the athletes run on. The waiting bus was reached within a short time and following a quick change all members travelled down to Callander where a much anticipated social hour was thoroughly enjoyed.
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Walking in Aberfeldy and Kenmore Area 17th April 2010
Spring was most definitely in the air on Saturday 17th April as the Club headed north to Aberfeldy. The all important weather forecast was favourable, the air was bright and clear and the prospects for a good hike were excellent. The bus was just short of being full and there was a palpable sense of anticipation amongst the members all looking forward to an enjoyable day out. The Low Levellers were dropped off first in Aberfeldy and their target was to walk up through the famed Birks of Aberfeldy and then continue on, parallel to the Urlar Burn, to finish in Kenmore. There is a well marked trail up through the Birks with quite a number of steps to climb, several bridges to cross and many spectacular waterfalls to see. There is also Rabbie Burns (or a least a statue of him) for the great man visited this area in 1787 and was inspired to write the song called "The Birks of Aberfeldy". On emerging from the Birks the group connected with a track leading south west through the hills alongside the Urlar Burn and as progress was made and the kilometres clocked up the huge bulk of Schiehallion to the north west came more and more into focus. It was very eye-catching in the clear air and its bright snow patches were quite pronounced. The maximum height reached on this walk was approximately 500m and the final descent down into the village of Kenmore offered splendid views out over Loch Tay. It may not have been the most challenging walk attempted by the group but it certainly ranked as one of the more pleasant and rewarding from the point of view of weather and views.
The High Levellers meantime were dropped off at a place called "Fort Lodge" a short distance before Kenmore. The aim for this group was to walk south, climbing all the time, to the summit of a hill called Meall a' Choire Creagaich, 665m and the highest point of the day. The higher the group climbed the better the views became but so did the strength of the wind. To reach the marker point on top of the hill involved some cross-country walking but navigation was not a problem. The views of the snow covered Ben Lawers group of mountains and of Schiehallion were very clear indeed and kept cameras busy for some time. Mountain hares were spotted and also a deer or two. From the summit it was a fairly straightforward descent out of the wind to a point where a well marked trail was joined on the hill side above Remony. This trail led around the forest and down into Kenmore thus finishing this 15 km. walk in warm sunshine and in what must be one of the most picturesque villages in Scotland. The two groups joined forces for a very enjoyable social hour in the Kenmore Hotel before setting off south again for the journey back to East Kilbride.
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Walking in the Moffat Area 3rd April 2010
The Club travelled south on Saturday 03 April to the Moffat area. The weather forecast was reasonable but early morning mist still clung to the hillsides which were a patchwork of white snow and brown vegetation. On the plus side there was no wind and the air temperature was quite warm. The Low Level Group was dropped off first at a place called Hunterheck a short distance east of Moffat. Their target for the day was to walk some 18 kms. along the Southern Upland Way and finish at a place called Capplegill. The SUW is a well used track and is normally a pleasant walk through very attractive countryside but on this outing it very quickly became apparent that the going was anything but "normal" due to snow still lying in various places. It was not a total blanket covering but some of the patches were large and deep with no convenient way round them. Negotiating a way through the larger patches slowed momentum significantly and required considerable effort. It was certainly a vigorous workout for all walkers. The final part of the walk involved a departure from the SUW at Potburn, up and over the hills around Pot Law and then a long descent down to the waiting bus at Capplegill. This section had a healthy covering of snow on which there had been no previous walkers consequently the person in front had to work particularly hard. There were some tired legs being hauled on to the bus at the finish.
Whilst all this was going on the High Levellers, on reaching their planned target start point at The Grey Mare's Tail and on seeing the amount of snow covering the higher summits, opted for a quick change of venue in the interests of safety and travelled on the short distance to St. Mary's Loch. From here they connected with The Southern Upland Way and walked south to Capplegill thus approaching it from the opposite direction to that being used by their Low Level friends. The maximum elevation reached on this section of the SUW is approximately 300m lower than the max. which would have been the target on the Grey Mare's Tail walk but nevertheless the snow covering on some parts was still significant and called for hard work from the walkers. Fortunately the snow was soft which reduced the risk of falls and skids but it did mean that in the deeper places the walkers sank into approximately knee depth. Very little wild life was seen but it was interesting to observe the many and varied footprints on the surface of the pristine snow and try to guess what creature may have passed that way. The warm atmosphere meant the snow was melting fast and this in turn caused a couple of river crossings to be a little more challenging than normal but the bus was reached safely and the tired and glowing group were glad to stop and change into dry clothing. A vigorous walk, regrettably not as spectacular as the scheduled walk but still a good work-out for the group. The social hour was in Moffat which is always a popular venue
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Walking in the Durisdeer Areas 20th March 2010
The Club headed south on Saturday 20 March to the Durisdeer area. There was quite a large turn out of members all anticipating a fine day of hiking in a very pleasent part of the country. The weather forecast was good, the skies were reasonably clear and only small patches of snow still clung to the hillsides. All walkers dropped off at a point on the A702 road where it crosses the Potrenick Burn close to Watermeetings Forest. A division of members into High Level and Low Level walkers was formed and the two groups set off heading east into Watermeetings Forest and initially following the Southern Upland Way. Approximately 2 kms. along the SUW both groups turned off the track and headed directly south up the large grassy slopes of the hill known as Comb Law, 645m high and the highest point of the day for the Low Levellers. From this summit the route continued due south on to the slightly lower top of Hirstane Rig with the High Level group leading their Low Level friends by a small margin. It was at this point that the two groups parted company with the High Group swinging off the the east across an area of peat hags and the Low Group dropping down to the Kirk Burn at the foot of Durisdeer Hill but pausing for a lunch stop on the way down. During lunch the views out towards Wanlockhead and Lowther Hill were excellent in the clear air. After their stop the Low Levellers continued south-west following a well defined track in an impressive glen squeezed in between Durisdeer Hill and Black Hill and for a short distance running parallel to an old roman road and close to the remains of a roman fortlet. At the lower end of this track the walkers suddenly emerged into the village of Durisdeer bathed in bright sunshine and offering a very fine face indeed.
The High Levellers in the meantime, having safely negotiated the peat hags, ascended to the top of the hill known as Roger Law with one member, of that name, claiming the hill as his own. Regardless of possession rights the views out over Daer Reservoir were very rewarding and with a little reluctance the group turned round at this point and set out for the top of Ballencleuch Law, 689m and their highest point of the day. A number of mountain hares were seen, some still in their white winter coats. From the top of Ballencleuch it was a steady drop down into Glenaggart in fine conditions and on to the finish in Durisdeer. Before departing the village, time was taken to look at the most impressive church which dominates the village square. There has been a church on this site since medieval times and strong links with the Queensberry Family and Drumlanrig Castle. A most enjoyable social hour was held in the Shawlands Park Hotel near Larkhall.
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The Mystery Walk (Blair Atholl Area) 6th March 2010
Once each year the Club schedules its Mystery Walk and Saturday 6th March was the date this year. The destination is selected by the Walks Convenor and the members are not told where they are headed. A name place draw is a feature of the bus journey and, as usual, this led to much animated discussion as the bus first drove past Stirling, then Perth and Dunkeld and finally made a stop in Pitlochry. This proved to be false information however as after a short stop the journey continued and finally finished at a point on the B8079 between Blair Atholl and Bruar. All walkers disembarked in dry sunny conditions and set off north west into the forest to reach the Falls of Bruar after a short time. The Falls proved to be most spectacular on this occasion, not due to the volume of water pouring over them as might be expected, but because of the icicles and frozen lattice work surrounding the falling water. The scene provided a most interesting spectacle and one not previously witnessed by many of the members. Cameras clicked furiously. The walk continued north up through Glen Banvie Wood and as height was gained the covering of snow on the track thickened. Fortunately it was soft snow and for the most part easy to walk on. It was sunny, the atmosphere was warm, there was no wind and, all in all, it was just about perfect walking conditions. The track eventually exited the woods and emerged out on to open hillside at the head of Glen Banvie. The scene which opened up was expansive, snow covered for the most part and sparkling in the bright sunshine. A herd of deer casually grazed on the horizon. From this point the route was down hill, alongside the Banvie Burn, through Whim Plantation, through a small hamlet known as Old Blair, through the grounds of Blair Castle to eventually emerge at Blair Atholl and the waiting bus. A 14 km. walk to remember as the big smiles and glowing faces could testify to. The outing did not finish at this point however as a meal had been arranged in the delightful surroundings of the Atholl Arms Hotel in Blair Atholl. It has to be recorded that some did fall asleep in the bus on the way home despite the attempt at harmonious renditions of some old faithfuls by others.
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Walks in the Loch Lomond Area 20th February 2010
Saturday 20th February dawned very cold, with a clear blue sky and no wind. The weather forecast for the day was encouraging and all things considered it was emerging that this promised to be the best walking day for quite some period of time. The Club headed up Loch Lomondside to Tarbet and it was from there that both High Levellers and Low Levellers started their respective walks. The target for the High Group was to reach the summit of Tullich Hill, 632m and then descend down into Glen Douglas and thus on to the finish at Inverbeg. The aim for the Low Group was to walk around Tullich Hill, drop down into Glen Douglas and also finish at Inverbeg. The big bonus for all on this occasion was the weather and the part it played in contributing to what can only be described as absolutely stunning views of snow clad peaks out across the complete flat calm of Loch Long. This was Scotland at its best with the iconic Cobbler lined up with Beinn Narnain and A'Chrois and all dressed in their splendid winter coating of white. To compound this image there was the reverse reflection mirrored in the flat calm surface of the loch. A memorable view indeed and one which would be held in minds and cameras for a long time to come and by both groups as it was not necessary to climb to the highest point to enjoy the scenery. The route followed by the Low Group as they progressed permitted views on to Ardgartan and down Loch Long towards Loch Goil. It was quite a stiff climb to the top of Tullich Hill for the High Group despite the fact that it is only about two-thirds the height of a Munro. The summit was brilliantly clear and conditions were good enough to have a drum-up whilst drinking in the views of Loch Long and Loch Lomond. It was a source of much comment to reflect that the views on this outing were so much better than many experienced during the misty, damp days of Summer 2009. From the summit of Tullich Hill it was a simple descent down into Glen Douglas and thus down to Inverbeg, the social hour and the waiting bus. The distance walked by each group was in the order of 15 kms. and all considered it a pleasure on such a beautiful day.
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Walks in the Kippen Area 6th February 2010
Both groups dropped off in a side street in the village and struck off to the south east. The plan was for both groups to walk up to the "Spout" but by different routes. The Low Leveller's route took them round by Gribleash House and Wrightpark and thus to Ballochleam Farm from the south west whilst the High Levellers walked by Dasher Farm and Auldhall and approached Ballochleam Farm from the north east. From the farm both groups walked the same route, climbing steadily up to the "Spout"which is located at just about 300m. The views out over Flanders Moss and the Lake of Menteith to the north west were a little limited on this occasion due to the mist but never the less most members considered the climb worth the effort. The High Level group continued on from the "Spout" up to the top of Lees Hill which, at 411m is the highest point in this immediate area. Regrettably the mist on Lees Hill was even thicker and views non-existent so the group wasted no time in descending down to The "Spout" again and joining their Low Level colleagues in a drum-up. It has to be recorded that on this day the waterfall was not exactly "spouting" but members reflected that this has a positive side in that it indicated there had been very little rain during the previous few days. The descent back down to Kippen was fairly straightforward for both groups by their respective routes and after a quick change at the bus a social hour in Kippen was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
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Walks in the Sanquhar Area 23rd January 2010
The outing on Saturday 23 January was the second of the new year and what a relief it was to go out in mild, dry, windless conditions with even a hint of blue sky to help things along. The venue for this day was a place called Spango Bridge located on the B740 road between the village of Crawford John and Sanquhar. The Low Levellers were dropped off first very close to the actual Spango Bridge which carries the B740 over Spango Water. Their route led them south into the forest, by Clackleith Farm and eventually connected them with a section of The Southern Upland Way. It is soft rolling country-side in this part of Scotland and very pleasent it looked on this outing with patches of sunlight gracing the hillsides interspersed with areas of snow. In fact the members were required to walk on hard frozen snow for short periods as they made progress along their route. Lunch was enjoyed in bright sunshine at a place known as Cogshead where there is evidence of habitation which stimulated conversation on the remote, lonely existence the dwellers must have experienced. It was fairly easy walking on this outing, mostly along forest track and an excellent opportunity to "break in" bodies which had been subjected to much Christmas fare and lack of exercise during the festive season. The finish was reached at Nether Cog and it seemed fairly evident that the walkers thoroughly enjoyed their 12 km. hike in conditions which can only be described as excellent for the time of year.
The High Levellers were dropped off a little further south on the A740 and followed their route in from Nether Cog up to the top of a hill called Wedder Dod from where they enjoyed a quite splendid view out over the Lowther Hills patched with brilliant white spots of snow contrasting with the brown winter undergrowth. Ground conditions were very reasonable for walking and the sunshine was a very definate bonus. This group also walked part of their outing on the Southern Upland Way but eventually veered off this up to the top of Conrig Hill 485m and their highest point of the day. The rest was easy, down hill across broad grassy slopes, around or across large patches of snow and on to the finish at Nether Cog to join forces with their Low Level friends thus completing a 12 km. circular.
The social hour was held in The Shawlands Park near Larkhall and much appreciated it was by all. A splendid day out in soft mild conditions and lots of healthy exercise for the members. For more information about the Club check out the web site at www.ololhikingclub.co.uk or e-mail ololhikingclub@yahoo.co.uk or call Elizabeth on 01355 220601
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Walks in the Monteith Hills 9th January 2010
Saturday 09 January was the first outing of the New Year for the Club and a little adjustment to the plans was required in view of the extreme weather conditions being experienced in recent weeks. The original intent was to walk from Callander to Aberfoyle taking a route along by Loch Venachar, then south west by The Menteith Hills, up and over Creag Dhubh and finally into Aberfoyle. In view of the heavy snow covering on top of ice a decision was made to stay off the hills and keep the whole outing as safe as possible whilst being compatible with providing an interesting walk. The weather had warmed up considerably on Saturday morning and the temperature was an almost comfortable minus 3 degrees, the sky was grey and light snow was falling. All thoughts of taking the bus into any minor roads were abandoned and all walkers joined forces to form a Club Walk starting from the car park in Callander. It very quickly emerged that the "casual" little walk along the minor road to Loch Venachar was going to be anything but easy. At first glance it presented an attractive picture of new fresh snow on the road surface with tree branches, heavily coated, framing the view ahead. A dose of realism was quickly injected when walkers started to skid about, clutch on to each other and shout warnings. Underneath the snow was a layer of highly polished ice. Quick adjustments were made, walking was confined to verges and gradually order was restored.
The revised route led up into the forest at East Lodge and it was a considerable relief to get on to this forest track as it had been little used in recent days and therefore presented a fresh, soft surface to walk on. There is a small loch with no name in the forest below Meall nan Gobhar and when the group reached this point a most picturesque scene emerged with the frozen loch surrounded by heavy, snow covered boughs, topped by a clear blue sky and the sun sparkling the snow crystals. The stresses and strains of the difficult walk along by Loch Venachar quickly evaporated. From this location the route led the group on to a single file walking track through forest and across a short section of open hillside. It was quite an exhilarating experience in bright sunny conditions making tracks through pristine snow, being very therapeutic. Apart from the occasional slide and "bump" landing by some members the group made a safe and excitedly noisy traverse of the section below the Menteith Hills to eventually emerge from the forest at the outdoor centre on the outskirts of Aberfoyle. A social hour in Aberfoyle followed and it was very apparent from the glowing faces and high spirits on the bus back to East Kilbride that the winter gloom had been well and truely lifted, at least for this particular day.
OLOL Hiking Club wishes to extend thanks to South Lanarkshire Council for their most welcome grant for older members of the Club towards a social occasion just prior to Christmas.