Coaltown of Balgonie

With the sun shining and a lovely breeze 10 walkers set off for the Thornton to Coaltown of Balgonie circular walk. We welcomed a new walker to the group (Linda) and there were some celebrations amongst group members. Isobel has celebrated her daughter’s wedding and June and Bob their Golden wedding – congratulations to all.

 

Parking at Glenrothes with Thornton railway station car park and heading through Memorial Park, a junior club football game was taking place. The football supporters amongst us probably would have liked to spend a bit of time there. Anyway walking briskly on past Thornton Bowling Green and Primary School we headed off down Station Road and after the underpass to the Regional road we took a left turn onto a track which then lead out into the countryside. Walking was fairly easy on farm roads and tracks, some slight inclines but not too much to get us out of pech. It was really a day to daunder but 7.2 miles lay ahead

 

The farmers looked to be quite busy today with trailers full of newly harvested potatoes being transported and barns full of grain. The hedgerows were full of brambles together with Rose hips and Hawthorne berries. The Rowan berries and Elderflower berries were hanging heavily from the trees. What a country feast. The walk linked nicely with the church service this morning which was a Harvest Thanksgiving, a celebration of all Gods goodness to us.

 

Well it got really warm walking and casting off layers of clothes we were desperate to get to out coffee stop at the Balgonie Arms. As it hoved into view the sighs of relief were audible. Elaine and Margo did us proud. The table was set for us and the scones, tea and coffee went down a treat, so much so we had to have seconds! Reluctant to leave we bade our farewells and set off to complete the walk, only 2 miles to go

 

Leaving the Main Street in Coaltown we made our way again back into the countryside and I’m certain there was more of a spring in our steps. Ponies in a near by field came to say hello thinking perhaps we had some goodies to share……sorry we had eaten them all. Eventually back at the car park having enjoyed each others company and looking forward to our next outing, we said the traditional Gaelic blessing,

 

Auchterarder

Charlie wrote:
What better way to welcome in the month of September than to make a foray into beautiful Perthshire to the town of Auhterarder, once famous for weaving, malting and distilling.Fifteen pairs of feet mustered at the town's car park,and then with bodies attached, set off on a little adventure on a cloudy, windy, but fair afternoon.
The walk of 4.7 miles in and around the town took us through the settlement of Castleton and via Oak Walk to a woodland area, populated with birds, animals and fish, all carved in wood by members of the local community. Naturally clever.
Then across town to walk by the Ruthven Water with its weir and fish ladder, a required photo stop. On past the Old Glen Ruthven Mill and to the stairway, giving splendid views of the Ochil Hills, back into town for delicious scones and cake, topped with much banter and chat.