Thursday, January 23, 2014

Johnny Marshall's Loan


 

 
 

The first walk of the year was a local walk with 14 walkers taking part. Leaving the cars at Kirkcaldy Health Centre car park we headed for what is locally known as “the Mid Den”. Many comments were made that although we all lived locally; few of us walked this way. It’s more commonly used by the pupils coming and going to Kirkcaldy High School and there are also 4 bike trails to test the skills of cyclists.
 
At the top of “the den” we crossed the B981 and headed West, past Kirkcaldy High and took a left into Rosemount Avenue which led straight ahead to Johnny Marshall’s Loan. Now a wee breather to allow us all to catch up sent Mary delving into Joe’s backpack. Oh sweeties we all thought but no, nothing less than 2 bottles of Mary’s home made Ginger Wine, disposable cups and shortbread. A Happy New Year to all our walkers. Jo seemed mightily relieved that it was only the empty bottles he had to carry home
 

Continuing up the Loan we skirted Dunnikier Estate on our left with Dunnikier Golf Club on our right until we reached the boundary to the A92. The track was muddy and slippery at points but a wee bit of frost the previous night had hardened some of the mud, so it was not as bad as originally thought. Turning easterly we continued until we reached the walkway over the A92, where we then turned left down a track which eventually took us out at Carberry Road which led onto Dunnikier Way. A short stretch on this and then we turned into Embo Street which led us to Dunnikier House Hotel for our afternoon refreshments.
 
A roaring log fire greeted us and we were shown into the dining room where we enjoyed tea, coffee and scones and as usual much chat. It was lovely and cosy and eventually with regret we had to say farewell and make our way on the path through the grounds and back onto Dunnikier way and a short hop, skip and jump back to the cars. We were all feeling the cold by this time, so gathering together we said our Gaelic Blessing before taking our leave. Cheers here’s to the next walk