Yarnwalks

Rhoda's Birthday walk

2010-08-03T04:53:00.000-07:00

Though it spoke of rain on Friday, it managed to hold off quite nicely. Look at those clouds! This was by the Pitlochry Golf Course, which is more or less where we based our walk. It was somewhat 'bitty' as we didn't want to make the climb up to the top, this incline was enough for most of us!

On the way back down this path we saw some beautiful Buddleas, but didn't manage to get any shots of them.

We did see some swans, though. It was quite an attraction, with several people lined up to grab a picture, while staying quiet, so as not to disturb the mums and their babies.

We did find this seat for a welcome rest and photo opportunity. It's funny how the birthday girl is the one left standing!

Marian, Jean I, Rhoda, Jeanette, Jacqui and Sheila

When we reached the beautiful clubhouse, we ordered coffees and teas outside, and had a good chat and giggle. It was only later we were informed that, if you sit outside you are expected to sit quietly - oops! I don't know which one of us was making the most noise, though it is usually me. The tea was delicious, though, I must say.

When Kim, Jean D, Auntie Betty, Janet and Jan arrived, we went inside where a table had been laid, Jeanette had collected 'The Cake' from her car, and we settled to eat our lunch.

Well, our orders were given and most of the meals arrived (my Aberdeen Angus beefburger (without the roll)) but Auntie Betty was left sitting. And sitting. And waiting. Then the (only) waiter in the very busy lunch restaurant told her that her chicken had been burned, and another was being prepared. So, she waited some more. Oh dear. It eventually arrived and was as tasty as everyone else's. Marian's soup was cold, however. This does sound like a long moan, but I'm afraid it was justified. There simply was not the staff to cope with such a full room, and if they couldn't cope they should have turned us away. There was then some confusion with the bill, where it seemed we had possibly been overcharged. As some had eaten and drunk less than others, we all agreed to pay our own bill. But, we were still short by about ten pounds. This meant we all had to put in extra, and the waiting staff did not get tipped. Especially, as one had been quite rude (!) to one of us, and that is simply not on, is it?

But, though we got no pictures, Rhoda was presented with Jeanette's cake, with lit candles, as well as flowers and presents. It seems she had an eventful, but enjoyable birthday lunch.

Happy Birthday, Rhoda!

We're on!

2010-07-28T01:10:00.000-07:00

Hi Yarnwalkers!

A few of us can make the walk this Friday 30th July. So far I know that Rhoda, Jean D, Jean I, Marian, Kate and me and maybe Susan and Annie can come. We have decided to do the Craigower walk near Moulin, Pitlochry. Link HERE

We will leave the shop at 10am and a few cars will drive down to Moulin and park there. After the walk we can have lunch at Moulin Hotel. For those of you who are more adventurous, you could walk Ben Vrackie.

If you can make it please let me or Jean or anyone coming on the walk know so that we don't go without you!

Hope to see you Friday

Jeanette

CANCELLED AGAIN, TODAY!!

2010-07-16T01:04:00.003-07:00

Due to the rain the walk is cancelled, again, today.

!! walk cancelled today !!

2010-07-09T01:15:00.001-07:00

Today's walk has been cancelled due to the rain. Emails have been sent. We'll do the Ardblair Woods walk next Friday, 16 July.

Thank you.

The Knockie, Friday 2 July

2010-07-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

**Edit, please note: Friday 9 July walk - meeting place has been altered - please see your emails **

thank you

I don't know how many weeks we have until Christmas, but that holiday was nowhere in our minds on today's walk. Despite the grey-ish clouds apparent up the Glen as we left this morning, the July summer weather in Blairgowrie and up to the Knockie, was glorious. Gill had the only camera with her and, as soon as I get the piccies I will post them up here. Edit: here they are!

Due, I think, to the Flower Festival in Kirkmichael tomorrow, there was just the three of us from the Glen attending for the walk today, but Susan, Gillian and I did enjoy ourselves.

We meandered alongside the river, meeting a chap with his two dogs along the way. We again saw the waterfalls, ruins and cottages that, at this time of year, are obscured slightly due to the lush, green leaves on the trees. The water level is very low at the moment - certainly the lowest I've ever seen it; you could almost walk across and not get your feet wet, so we were surprised to see any waterfalls.

However, doing this walk today there was no rain to stop us from climbing up the hill towards the Knockie, and what a view we had! It was wall to wall sky over the Blair-side country, where we could clearly see the wind farm, and the top of Mount Blair itself.

We weren't too sure of the distance yet to go for the Knockie itself, and our little feet were getting sore, so we turned around and came back down the hill, and into Blair itself.

We were very grateful to reach an outside table at Cargill's, where we had some tasty soup, sandwich and salad and the obligatory wee cuppy. And, though it was hot and sunny, we kept our tops on!

But, it didn't end there for us, oh no. It transpires that all of us love perusing the charity shops, so we ended our time in the three along Blairgowrie high street - but no Christmas presents were shopped for, I'm afraid!

** NEXT WEEK**

We have chosen to do the Ardblair walk Which, if you look at the (map here) it shows that we don't have to walk all of the 5.75 miles, we can cut at the corner to make it shorter - unless you want to do all of it, feel free to do so!

As usual, we can meet at Kirkmichael shop at 9.30 am, and we'll organise ourselves from the Glen

toodle-pip, until next week!

Forfar loch

2010-06-26T11:48:00.000-07:00

You won't believe it, but we had yet another weather-perfect day for our walk! We had fairly loose arrangements around the travelling, yet they all worked out very well indeed.

This is another circular walk, but deffo on level ground, and just under the three miles.

We stopped to take pictures of some of the flowers,

and, even found a sign for us that said 'Forfar Witches'! Hmm, someone suggested this might refer to us - cheek!

One of us was going away the next day and needed to get organised, so they sped off into the distance. The laggers wandered behind and caught them sitting on a bench, overlooking the lovely, water - it looked so inviting ... until we saw the green stuff floating about on it, that is!

Have you ever seen so many swans?

After the walk we decided that as we are so near to Letham Crafts we ought to make the short drive over there. Also, as it was lunchtime, a call into Trumptington Forge Tea Room to eat. We do love it here, the service is polite, swift and friendly, and the food is gorgeous - especially the home baking! They also have a mini farm there, with ducks, geese, horses and this handsome chap - who seemed to make such a racket whenever Jean D was nearby!

Then some of us made the drive over to the craft shop, and didn't spend too much money ..... but, we all said we will be back!

** NEXT WEEK**

We thought we might re-visit the Knockie and Cargill's Leap at Blairgowrie - it rained so much last time that we didn't go to the top and, if the weather holds out, we should be able to.

One suggestion has been that we start at the car park and walk up through the town, then after viewing the Knockie, we return this way - it's shorter for those with 'knees' and 'backs'!

Meet at the shop at 9.30 am, and the 'glenners' will make their own way

Please let Jeanette or Jean D know if you're coming from Kirkmichael,

and Karen know if you're in the Glen

The Hermitage 18 June 2010

2010-06-23T16:09:00.000-07:00

This must have been the hottest day yet for one of our walks, this week at the stunning Hermitage, along the A9 north.

As Perthshire is known as Big Tree Country, we were not surprised to come across this one, which at 61.3 meters, is a contender for Britain's tallest tree, no less.

I crouched as low as I could, with Jean D's camera, and still couldn't get in all the height of this Douglas fir!

It was a gentle, circular walk, by the river and through the woods, and so pretty.

Can't remember what the joke was here, except my pals were worried I would need to make several 'calls' to the bushes if I continued to gulp down the water.

After looking at the waterfall we climbed up to the bridge, which crosses the Black Linn Waterfall, just enjoying the lovely sunshine, and laughing along with Jean D. To stunned silence she told us she is a nobody.

Then quipped 'And, nobody's perfect!' You are, Jean, you are!

The sign says to go in, to push this door and slide the next ..........

Ooh, the views from the Ossian's Hall are spectacular

An early lunch at the picnic table in the car park, and then we went over to Birnam. After taking a look at the Beatrix Potter exhibition there, and the garden. We then walked along the River Tay.

We found the great Birnam Oak from Shakespeare's Scottish Play. We had left the cameras in the car so didn't take any pictures. Suffice it to say that the five of us linked our hands around it and didn't meet! It just would have needed one more person, and we might have done it.

** Next Week **

We are off to Forfar, to walk around the Forfar Loch. We shall meet at the Forfar Leisure Centre at 10.30, so should meet up earlier at the shop, and those in the Glen will go straight there - watch your emails for further details.

Dunkeld - Friday 11 June

2010-06-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

Well, what a beautiful, hot day we had at a town I had never really explored before. We started out at the car park, and waited for those who had a longer journey, to arrive.

Then we set off, and then Rhoda realised she had not put a parking ticket on her car! This was after she had realised she only had one sock with her, but luckily found a pop-sock to put on the other foot.

Faye, Jean D's friend who was visiting from Australia, was super-equipped, as she had just walked England's coast to coast walk, on an organised trip with her Australian friends.

Very soon along the path we reached the Cathedral, which is beautifully kept and , is set alongside the river, so is very peaceful. After some explored the inside of the Cathedral we meandered along the pathway, stopping briefly to watch some sheep shearers at work. We assumed they are a travelling group of shearers, as the pens which led the sheep up to the shearing platform were on wheels. The fleeces were rather large and the sacks they were put into were huge blocks of plastic.

We found the famous Parent Larch which is said to have produced the seeds for larches on landed estates, for centuries.

Eventually, we found ourselves at the Dunkeld Hilton where we decided to stop for a 'morning coffee.' Well, the size of the coffee cups - they were as big as soup bowls! And, all served on the patio, overlooking a rolling lawn, leading down to the river again. We hopefully didn't disturb the fishermen there - they looked so peaceful. We were provided with a map by a young man who, we all agreed, we would be quite happy for our daughter to bring home - he was really pleasant and helpful. When we left there, several of us were waiting for others who, we thought, had gone to look at the marquee, however, a mobile phone call revealed they were in fact up the hill, and waiting for us!

But, the maps didn't do us much good. As we climbed up to see the King's View, we couldn't find it, or which way we should be headed - what a laugh, we were lost! But common sense prevailed and we just made our way downwards, back toward the hotel, and re-traced our steps back to the path. This time we walked on the lower path, next to the river and just enjoyed the sun, peace and good company. Thanks ladies!

I didn't take my camera, and others have been busy or unwell, but I'll add pictures as they reach me.

** FRIDAY 18 JUNE's walk **

Slight change in timings - we are going to The Hermitage, MAP here and we'll meet in the

HERMITAGE CAR PARK at 10 o'clock.

However, there will be a meeting place at The Shop at 9.30 am for the usual transport

There is nowhere for coffee, cakes or lunch, so please bring some with you.

2010-06-05T02:56:00.000-07:00

Right Ladies (and gentlemen) I tend to tell some lies so must apologise for that first and foremost.

Only 4 of us turned up today for the best ever walk so far.

Susan, Gillian, Jean I and me, Jean D, had a wonderful time in the Bluebell Woods walk.

We parked the car in the Dalmore Hotel car park and crossed the road to the path into the Bluebell Woods. Spotted some Comfrey and Honeysuckle as we walked to the White Loch where a pair of swan were swanning around some coots and we think some moorhens. Bogbean, Irises, Parsleys and grasses were at the edge of the loch.

We met lots of dogs taking their owners for a walk and trying to persuade them into the water where they said it was lovely but none of the owners took up the offer.Cowards - the lot of them!!

At the bridge we saw Mr & Mrs Mallard showing off their little babies and maybe looking for some tasty nibbles but we had forgotten the breadcrumbs. "Sorry, ducks!"

It was a beautiful day as we sauntered past Loch Fingask - only one boat out today and no sign of any Ospreys. Up and on through the field where we spotted lots of wild flowers - White Campion (Not Corn cockles as I said. Lie no 1), fumitory,gorse, forget-me-nots, speedwell, hacquetia, epipactus and lots more.

And then we entered the Darroch Woods. Darroch meaning Oak so there were lots of Oak,Elder, Hawthorn in full bloom, Rowans just coming out in flower and Willow and Beech.

And Wow!! All you folks who did not come along you missed so much - Bluebells by the thousands and Blinks and Ferns and Stitchwort (Not snow in summer - lie no 2). We saw Blackbirds, Chaffinches and Tits and there were birds singing their hearts out to us galore! ( Martin we needed you)

We decided not to go out onto the road and break the wonderful ambience so we just continued round the woods and back to the start and back the way we came in by the two lochs.

Went for lunch at the Dalmore and had a lovely chat about all we had seen.

** NEXT WEEK **

Decided that next week we shall go to Dunkeld and do the Larch Walk.meeting at 9.30 outside the Kirkmichael Village shop. Hope this is okay with everyone and hope for a bigger turnout next week with the same weather as today.

MacMillan Walk - a success!

2010-06-01T11:52:00.000-07:00

Wow! Isn't Jeanette clever? She took these pictures while we were on our MacMillan walk, last Friday, then made a collage in Picasa. As you can see, the weather held out for us, though it was not sunny, the rain more or less stayed away.

Some sheep, looking at us, looking at them

There were about twelve of us who started off, then, Kate arrived by car. Not unusual, you might think, but then she unloaded the pushchair and her grandson, and proceeded to take part in the walk! There's no
stopping us, is there!

You can just see Kate sans pushchair in the middle of the group

We were joined on this walk by Martin Robinson, a local man who is renowned for his knowledge of plants and birds. Martin was kind enough to stop and show us lots of plants, that we might otherwise have missed.

Above is one he showed us, that is a carnivorous plant, and I can't remember the name of! I'm sure someone will let me know in the comments box below - please!

The scenery was simply stunning

Jean D gave me a list of the birds we heard on our way, that included the Willow Warbler, Redstart, Tree Pipit, Crossbills, Coal Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Cuckoo. Wow, what a list!

As you'll see from the sidebar, we smashed our £100 target, and then some. Everyone was encouraged to email the Jusgiving page to their friends and family, and I know I have more people intending to sponsor us (one of my cousins is currently taking part a sponsored walk around Spain, and will donate on his return!)

On our return to the village, we enjoyed some cakes which a couple of us provided, and had a welcome cup of tea or coffee. We have to thank Martin for adding so much to our walk, and the people from the Kirkmichael Village shop, for allowing us to use them as a base, especially Sally, Marie and Hannah.

** Next week's walk **

... is around Ardblair again, and this time, hopefully the bluebells will still be out. Meet at the shop at 10.00 am and at Bridge of Cally at 10.15 am.

We will be parking at Dalmore car park, and return there for our lunch.

21 May at Glenfernate AND notes for the MacMillan Walk

2010-05-24T03:36:00.000-07:00

It was an absolutely gorgeous day, the sun was shining as we drove into Glenfernate and parked our cars just past the end of the road up to Loch Crannach. There were ten of us today - Gillian, Jean D, Jean I, Jeanette, Jacquelin, Kate, Rhoda, Susan, Sylvia and a very nice gentleman called Alan who is staying in Kirkmichael for a wee holiday and decided to join us.

We walked along the Allt Fearnach (River to those who don't know what Allt means) up to the Daldhu. It was a a lovely walk as we were walking in towards the mountains with hills surrounding us and the river alongside us all the way.

At one bridge there were small trout jumping away like mad and nobody thought to take a fishing rod!! Some of the ladies spotted 6 deer legs lying at the side of the road on our way in but as we never saw or have seen or heard of a 6 legged deer we checked on our way back and found 8 deer legs.

But well spotted Susan and Gillian! We then headed to the Strathardle Inn for our lunch and a welcome Shandy or two.

We walked a bit further today than we have done before - by my reckoning we did 10k (6m) so well done everybody except Jeanette who skedaddled away back home to be in time for a wedding she was officiating at. (But she did do a walk yesterday -so we shall forgive you this time Jeanette.)

This is a must do again walk - it was so peaceful and beautiful. We should take a picnic next time as there are so many places to stop and relax by the river. Or ask permission to drive up to the Daldhu and walk up to Loch Loch which has a beach!! or up the other track even.

Knackered Jean D

** NeXt WeEk **

Walk in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support

We have decided to walk the Cateran trail from Kirkmichael towards Bridge of Cally next week in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support We can walk just the distance we want to, and then turn back and go to the Kirkmichael Village Shop where there will be banners and balloons! Maybe even a cuppy and some cake, too.

If it is a nice day some people might like to take along their picnic and have it on the way. And, it may be possible for those who go the whole 8 mile distance, to get the school bus at Bridge of Cally (opp. the Post Office) back to Kirkmichael (check with the driver, or you'll go up the glen) but, you'll need to be there by about 4pm. It might also be possible to arrange for some with cars to collect people from the Bridge of Cally Hotel car park.

Glamis Castle and this week's walk update

2010-05-19T00:56:00.000-07:00

Friday 14^th May. This week we headed to Glamis Castle to walk round the estate and the village. It was sunny and quite warm, a lovely spring day.

After coffee in the castle kitchen we headed off to meander round the grounds. The Walled Garden, the Pinetum and the Pet Cemetery were all stops on our route. The Italian Garden was a delight with spring flowers.

We headed down the Nature Trail by the side of the Glamis Burn and up steps by St Fergus Well to reach the village.

Our next stop was lunch at the Strathmore Arms. The soup was delicious.

We walked on though the village and down the long drive with the splendid view of the castle and back to the cars.

It was a relaxing day enjoying the weather, the fresh air and company, walking through the estate and village.

Jacquelin

**UPDATE** for this week's walk;
The walk this Friday is to Glenfernate. We will leave the village shop at 9.45am and drive the relatively short distance to the estate and hopefully start the walk at 10. Plan is to walk for 2 hours round trip and back to the village for lunch/coffee. It was suggested that we try either the Kirkie or Strathardle this time. - Jeanette

Edradour Walk

2010-05-10T03:42:00.000-07:00

Hi folks, we had a lovely walk on a lovely day at the Black Spout in Pitlochry. There were 6 of us today - Jacqueline, Susan , Gillian, Sylvia, Nicola and Jean D. We set off from the tourist info but there is a parking place at the start of the walk so next time we will know to go there. Anyway we walked down past the Bells distillery and under the bridge till we came to a signpost saying the Black Spout, turned up there and it was an uphill climb so we had a welcome seat on the first perching bench we came to and took a photo.

It was all rather beautiful with the wood anemones in full bloom spreading all over the forest floor with little lilac violas and oxalis too. Then on and up till we came to a view point over the waterfall. It falls over 60m and was quite spectacular. We spotted some tree creepers there. Another welcome rest and then up some more till we eventually came out at the Edradour Distillery. "Great" - we all said together. Then we saw that it would cost us all a fiver to go in and see round the smallest distillery so me being an Aberdonian said "I'm nae paying that!" So Nicola went over to the kiosk and bought her beloved a wee miniature "Cos he is worth it" she said and we continued on our walk and once off the road and on to the track it was downhill all the way. As we got to the end of the track we looked down over a japanese garden in the Palace Hotel grounds which looked very nice and worth a closer look sometime.

We then headed for the Victoria Restaurant and had a lovely lunch - 5 bacon and lentil soups and 1 baked potato. Sylvia said that she thought there was a half pound of bacon in each bowl of soup. It was very nice with plenty of bread with it and all served very quickly.

Jean D
** Next week's walk is to be around Glamis and we'll meet as usual at the shop at 9.30 am on Friday **

The Falls of Bruar

2010-05-04T01:46:00.000-07:00

Sheila, Jean D, Lavender, Dawn, Jean I, Karen, Marian, Petrina, Nicola (at back and in disguise), Susan, Silvia and Gill

Last Friday's walk up to the Falls of Bruar was, for me a first timer, both exciting and stunning! The walk meandered around the hill with beautiful waterfalls around nearly every corner. At one point there was a large rock pool that, if we were in the Caribbean or had their weather, you could just pop into and have a swim around. However, the rain kept us moving along the way, and away from the edges where there were treacherous sheer drops to be wary of.

Marian and Susan by an up-turned tree

Silvia and Sheila on the first bridge

Some of the group looking at the first waterfall, Jeanette on the left

Ta da! Jeanette's photo of the Waterfall

Jean I and Karen getting out cameras and Petrina taking in the view

Taking a photo of Jean D, taking a photo of us!

... and, here we are, on the bridge!

Dawn and Lavender enjoying the scenery and part of the walk

Jean I, Petrina, Nicola, Marian and Karen smiling through the rain

Susan, Gill and Dawn in the forefront, you can see the slopes here, and the smiles!

The beautiful rock pool, but unfortunately, no sun to go with it

Now, as the Falls of Bruar are right beside the House of Bruar on the A9, there was lunch to be had. It was very busy in the restaurant, but service was quick and the food delicious.

And then, Shopping! We all had a scan of the Food hall, Ladies and Men's wear, and then the Sale room. On the way home, Sheila, who had come along for the first time, remarked 'I hope these walks are not going to be this expensive, every week!'

Next Friday's walk will be at the Black Spout at Edradour with everyone meeting at the shop at 10 am, as usual. This walk will start and finish at the Edradour Distillery - with the possibility of a taster or two of their main produce, apparently!

Please note: you can click on any of the photos or links, to have a closer look, and back space to return to the blog. I have to put up smaller photos onto this page, or we wouldn't be able to fit them in. Also, for those with a slower broadband, it would take more than the 'forever' it currently takes to open up the blog at the moment.

Hello, hello, hello!

2010-04-26T01:11:00.000-07:00

I am a bit late in posting up about our walk last Friday - not for anything exciting, I'm afraid, but just because life got a tad busy. But, here we are on a lovely balmy Monday morning, a respite from all the rain we have had since we got a soaking, last Friday.

Yes, we had a smashing walk around Faskally loch, at Pitlochry. * We started off from the Pitlochry Festival Theatre car park, where we met a new friend, David. He initially asked us directions for over the hill, crossing the A9, but later joined us on our walk. And, what lovely, interesting company he was!

This was just over three miles of a fairly easy walk, though there were many more steps than we were expecting, with added mud from the rain (did I mention that already?) Luckily, there was a bench in one place and a lovely tea stop half-way around, at the cafe, where the promised hungry ducks were in evidence and enjoying the very drippy wet rain! We had a giggle at the table, with conversation ranging from 'knickers' (US speak for short pants ie trousers) philosophy, theology and ending on the guilt from what a person would like to sin at!

However, we continued back to the theatre and quickly made a decision for next Friday's walk at the Falls of Bruar We will meet, as usual, at the shop at ~~10.00~~ am UPDATE:: It will now be 9.30 am as there is a coffee morning at the Kirkmichael shop 10 - 12 noon, in aid of the MS Society. We are asked to bring a cake and partake of a coffee before setting off on our walk - see you there!

* I am awaiting the one photo we took, but I gave out a wrong address for my email - doh! When I have that I shall post it up here.

Den of Alyth

2010-04-16T16:52:00.000-07:00

Well, our walk today was really lovely! The sun was out, but it wasn't too hot, as eleven of us, including my bezzy mate from Cambridgeshire, Flick, set off into the woods. Where, I might add, there was a surprise for us at the end of it.

This was the 'crew' for today

Gill, Susan, Karen behind Theresa, Kate Jean I, Rhoda, Jean D, Jeanette, and Charles

with the photo being taken by Flick

I would just like to say that one of the beauties of this group is there are no 'leaders' as such - we make up our mind where we'll go and then we turn up, and, well, go there!

However, when it comes to height discrepancies, we tend to tackle it head on and just see how we measure up. I couldn't find any photos of the two shorter bodies from the group, suffice it to say that there was not much between them.

But, at the end of the walk, we got on like children in a playground, all playing together.

Did I say playground?

Well, when one of the group said she would love to play on the swings, more especially, slide down the slide, like fairy godmothers, ping!

One appeared, and we had a ball!

So, Jean got her wish!

Another Jean, another slide

Kate and Jeanette on the See-Saw

Karen, not sure about this sliding lark

Theresa and Jean taking a turn on the See-Saw

Gill and Kate busy on the swings

Rhoda braving the Slide

Flick reaches the end of the slide, and Kate is waiting to follow her

I don't think we would actually be allowed to go onto the apparatus at the park, but who cares? We enjoyed it so much, had a laugh and as Theresa said 'I felt like a 5 year old again!'

We were definitely ready for our lunch as we reached the Strathmore Golf Centre who made us more than welcome, by quickly putting two tables together, and bringing our lovely soup or sandwiches, soon after they were ordered, despite being fairly busy.

Next week, folks .....

It's likely to be Faskally Loch, at Pitlochry - Map Here

Jean D says it's best to start at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre car park

but, we'll meet at the Kirkmichael Shop at 10.00 am

and we can travel in fewer cars

UPDATE::::

I found it! The picture of Charles going down the slide - a classic!

We did it!

2010-04-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

Hello folks

Just reporting in after our lovely walk, starting at Fingask loch, this morning. We had a convoy of about six cars, two meeting places and ten women all jollying along.

It was a really lovely morning, bright and warm, but not really sunny, and no rain at all.

We walked for about an hour or so, supposing to be about two miles ..... but, we all reckoned that it was more like four! We were really pleased to espy a swan on the loch, and then we saw some ducks and a coot on there as well.

We walked through the Bluebell Wood, but though there was greenery, alas no bluebells. We decided that we should go again in a month or so, when they are out.

Some Ducks

A Coot

Valerie, Jean D, Gillian, Susan, Jean I, Kate, Rhoda, Theresa and Marian, with Karen taking the photo

Here is the group, or should I say, here are the culprits?

Apparently, we should not have parked where we did, as there was a notice to say that only farm and fishing vehicles are allowed down this track, oops!

Sorry, officer, we promise not to do it again .....

We did, however, high tail outta there and off to Dalmore Hotel for a very welcome cuppa and some had the pea and ham soup. We were made welcome by the friendly staff, who put together two tables to accommodate us, and were quick to bring our order. You can tell there is a 'but' coming along, can't you? Well, it was just a little off-putting that only what was ordered was brought - it would have felt warmer is a basket of bread and several dishes of butter were laid on the table, instead of the exact amount of bread and pat of butter ..... I don't know, it might have just been me!

Next week we are going to the Den of Alyth and, if you can't click on the map on that information, it is here. In the meantime, Jean D has the route map, and unless otherwise arranged - we should meet in Alyth town square at 10.30 am next Friday 16 April. See you there.

We have a plan!

2010-04-07T12:46:00.000-07:00

Yes! This Friday's walk will be near to Blairgowrie. It is the Bluebell Wood Walk, highlighted in Yellow on the map in this link to Blairgowrie Path Network Jean and I have gotten our heads together and decided to suggest we meet at the Fingask Loch and I have found Driving Directions from the Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie Here which, I hope works! See you at Kirkmichael shop at 10.00 and Fingask Loch at 10.35 am.

If you have any questions, please do get in touch with either me or Jean D.

Looking forward to seeing you all on Friday.

Karen x

This Friday's walk - and previous pics

2010-04-07T08:11:00.000-07:00

Hello again folks,

Just in to say that we'll be meeting at the shop at 10.00 am on Friday - where this week's walk will be revealed by Jean! Actually, I don't think we know where we're going as yet, so any suggestions, please contact Jean D.

Speaking of whom, Jean has sent me some pictures to post on here

This is from the walk on 20 March from Bridge of Cally to Black Craig Castle which we did not quite reach. From the left - Marian, Charles with Hilary peeping over his shoulder, Jeanette, Petrina, Susan, Kate, Rhoda and Jean was taking the photo.

And, on 6 March from Kirkmichael to Kindrogan where we got shown around Kindrogan and told what they do there by Mike Curtis. Back to shop for a newly baked rock bun made by Jan with our cup of tea/coffee. From the left - Jeanette, Marian, Rhoda, Sandy, Kate, Susan, Jacqueline and Jean was taking the photo.

Let's hope that after the rain of the past few days, and the hailstones today, that the weather will be kind to us again this Friday!

Last Friday's Walk

2010-04-07T00:26:00.000-07:00

Our group gathered outside Kirkmichael Community Shop

(Charles, Jean I, Charles' wife, Liz, Jean D, Marian, Jeanette, Jean I's Son and Daughter-in-law)

Again, the group went from Kirkmichael to Pitcarmick This Link gives quite a lot of information about Pitcarmick, and other places where there are standing stones.

We walked over the bridge and turned left at the village hall and down the way, the weather was really lovely and sunny, though a bit chilly. Very different to the howling snowstorms of mid-week. As we kept the river to our left, we continued over the sheep field and onto a path - which was blocked half-way by a fallen tree!

I did promise not to take pictures of any bottoms!

You can see already that the sun is still shining through. And, more photos were taken after we got through the next gate, and onto the road.

Jean I's son and dog, Liz, Karen, Jean D, Marian, don't know, Cath, don't know, Cath's daughter and grandson

We then returned to the Session House for scrumptious, home-made hot cross buns with tea or coffee - a tea-stop that is thoroughly recommended! The Session House was open as a Good Friday Coffee Morning, and there must have been over twenty-five people enjoying the 'get-together'. My husband rang me while I was there and requested I go outside to speak to him, as the noise was deafening!

As soon as I know where we're going next week, I shall post it up here again.

19 February 2010

2010-04-04T02:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture Jeanette sent me of the walk the group took on 19 February 2010. This was from Kirkmichael to Pitcarmick, on what looks to be a lovely sunny day. I'm still not sure of the name of people, especially the first two on the left (perhaps someone will fill me in?) But, third on the left is Petrina, then Charles' wife, I believe, then Marian and then another couple who I do not know! Oh dear, this feels so rude not to know people's names, and it may get worse as I get older!

Good Friday Walk

2010-04-01T15:12:00.000-07:00

Just in case anyone is reading this during the night, or before the walk in the morning, I thought I would post this email that I received;

Hello everyone!

Our walk tomorrow is Balchrochan and Burnside, Kirkmichael. It is only 2 miles long as we want to be back in plenty of time to enjoy the Hot Cross Buns at the Session House before lunch time and not sure how the weather will be either. Meet as usual at the shop at 10.00am.

Please let me know of other walkers' emails that you know of. Also, could you let anyone else interested in our walks know of our plans tomorrow.

Karen has started a blog of our walks - it is wonderful! She will let you know all about it tomorrow.

Looking forward to a catch up with you all,

Jeanette

Sorry I didn't get this up sooner but, due to the snow storms of the past couple of days I lost all communications with the outside world! It was all back on this morning except the internet, and I only just came home and opened the one above. Mind you, it was a lovely quiet evening with no-one ringing in or out - peace!

Yarnwalks' photos

2010-03-29T09:11:00.001-07:00

Hello again - yes, two posts in one day, how cool is that? I showed this blog to Petrina at knitting this afternoon and she emailed me a couple of pictures Jeanette took and sent to her.

This first one is from last week's walk, which I believe was along the Cateran Trail, (click on the link) by the Bridge of Cally. Lunch was at the Bridge of Cally Hotel but, wasn't as good as it could have been, and the service was somewhat slow, I understand.

Now, the walk is supposed to be about an hour there and an hour back, but time was passing, and talk was flowing so the distance of approximately three miles was easily done. Everyone did enjoy themselves and the weather looks lovely - with no snow.

Our next picture is from last Friday's walk, up to The Knockie in Blairgowrie. We started out in rain that, while not pouring exactly fairly drizzled and got us soaked all the same. Halfway through the walk, at Cargill's Leap, (read the story in this link)Julia decided she would not be able to make the hill climb, so she detoured over the bridge, to go back to town via the road. We made our way uphill, admiring the houses along the way, and saw a really beautiful waterfall at a fork in the river (River Ericht). We didn't stop to photograph it, though, as the rain was getting heavier.

We nearly reached the top, but instead stopped to take this picture, and headed our way back down to Blairgowrie, coming back down by Boots, and made our way to Roy Sim Antiques. As we reached the restaurant who should we happen upon but Julia! She had stopped off at the garage on the way, and was able to join us for a well-warming hot drink and scones or blueberry pancakes. This time, the service, food and especially the drinks were impeccable.

Next Friday - despite it being Good Friday, we shall still meet - at Kirkmichael Session House at 10 am, and will walk by the river around Kirkmichael, and then back to the Session House for Hot X Buns, yum!

Step Out

2010-03-29T01:52:00.000-07:00

Hello, and welcome to our blog!

We are a group of people who live and work in or around Kirkmichael, and also meet at our weekly charity knitting group, Clicking Needles. Hence the combination of 'Yarn' and 'Walk' - simple? Yes!

This blog is started so that we can diary a record of our walks, let you know where we'll be next week etc. We're hoping to include comments, reviews and pictures of the walks we do.

There will, hopefully, be several people contributing to the posts here, and will certainly be photos of the people and places on the weekly, Friday walks.

Do come back and visit, glad you came!