Letham Glen Leven

This was the first walk the group (5 of us) did in 2009. There were 17 walkers today! Flushed with success at the good number we strode out in the wrong direction and added another half mile on to the 'easy' walk I'd advertised.
We were hardly started, and appreciating the lovely gardens in Letham Glen when a few of us were tempted to 'have a go' on the newly installed exercise equipment.

" You've always wanted a shot on a camel. Goan then!" was Bob's encouraging invitation to his lady wife who couldn't resist temptation.
Hilarity over, we got down to the business in hand. It is a gentle incline through the park and we needed a wee pause once we reached the open countryside again. How nice it was to hear Winnie say that she had to walk through Letham Glen to reach her school, and even more interesting that we passed Coldstream Farm Cottage where she and her family lived in her early teens.

We were blethering goodstyle and almost missed the lovely cottage and grounds called Cuffabout.The sun at this point was so warm, we shed a layer or two and donned our sunglasses. Crossing the main road into Blacketyside Estate we admired Blacketyside House painted white and situated in an idyllic setting. Field upon field of fruit bushes under polytunnels on our right indicated that this business is flourishing. And when we reached the farm shop/restaurant and noted a huge expansion being built, this emphasised the good times that the company is having. Blacketyside would have been our choice of coffee stop, however, there is a large noticeboard stating that the restaurant is closed on Sundays with a Bible text beneath.

Exodus 20:8 “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.9 You have six days each week for your ordinary work,10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you.11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens,the earth,the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy."

We were all, of course, supportive of this audacious statement in these times and will continue to patronise the business during weekdays.
Safely across the very busy road into Silverburn estate we stopped for our preplanned picnic in the gardens. "Margaret? What have you done with ma piece?" We were amused at Bob's dependence on his wife for providing the scran. That was a really lovely time just looking closely at our friends and pondering on what was happening in their lives.
Some are facing difficult times, and love and prayers go with them.
Fed and watered, we moved on,but just as far as the toilets! This proved to be a drawn-out affair as there was a long queue for those who wouldn't spend their penny in the gents! We crossed the golf course, silently of course, and saw a few skelps as we pressed on. Now, right at the shore, the view was breathtaking. No wonder folk used to come to Leven for their summer holidays. We walked towards the town again with the sea on our left, breathing in the summer smells of newly mown grass, seaweed, and faintly, the burgers from the amusement arcade on the promenade.

Back through the town we reached Letham Glen in stages as 17 of us couldn't walk at the same rate. But we gathered and said our wee prayer as usual, so may the Lord hold all in the palm of his hand until we meet again.

Auchtertool

Due to illness, holidays and other more pressing engagements there were only 7 walkers today, so we left Bennochy Church at 1.00pm in two cars. It was Janice's suggestion to walk around Auchtertool so we all followed her, parking at the newly refurbished Tiel Restaurant ( Kiwi as was) in the village.
We set off down Newbiggin Terrace which leads out into the country but we had to walk in single file for our safety all the same, as the traffic on this road for some reason travels at maximum speed. We hear that there is to be a speed limit imposed shortly; this may be frustrating but welcome if lives are to be saved.
Half a mile ouside the village we turned off to the right on to a single track road and we were able to take in some lovely country views across the fields as well as noting the indigenous flora and fungi in a large copse of trees shown on an old map as Kilnuny Plantation. There were one or two inclines to contend with, but none so steep as to make us puff. Off right again, this time on a track between two fields and it was here that we first had a glimpse of the Forth in the distance. It was a bit overcast but we could still make out the Bass Rock. To our left we discussed what we now know to be Mourn House, now derelict, and we wondered why folk don't buy these old farm cottages as they used to. The scenery is spectacular and no bothersome neighbours after all. Maybe it's something to do with most of the ruins being of historical interest though; there are a few castle remains scattered around Auchtertool - Hallyards, Camilla, and we happened upon Balmuto Castle ancestral home of the Boswells since 15th century. The grounds are private of course but we had a wee rest at the bridge over the burn at the entrance to the Castle drive; a nice spot for the photo shoot.

Further on we stopped to speak to a couple of horses at West Balbairdie Farm, and then without planning it, swapped around so that we had different folk to continue our journey with and more new conversations.
When next we came to a junction, with Kilrie Farm off to our right, we turned left back on to the 'main' road, well it was tarmacked at least,until we reached yet another derelict farm cottage which prompted a discussion about families who would have stayed there and worked the land. Just as we walked on, we noticed to our horror that an area at the road end to Lambert's Mill was covered in the dreaded Japanese knotweed. Some of us had watched a TV programme about this a couple of nights previous so were very knowlegeable on the subject. We talked as if the Triffids had arrived! One thing was obvious though, unless the plant is dealt with timeously then it will invade the adjacent fields very soon.....
Although there was no sun today, neither was there any wind so we were hot and dry by the time we reached the Tiel Restaurant where Janice had arranged some scones, shortbread and coffee for us. We were pleasantly surprised by the environment and asked the nice waitress to take our photo there.

From the head of the table > right we have Grace, Janice, Kerry, Winnie, Sandra, Irene and Dianne. Just a wee pickle of us this week, but a nice wee pickle.

Summer??? Trip to Dunkeld

“Is this your rainy season?” was the question asked of Mary by two lady visitors from sunnier climes at Dunkeld Cathedral. “No” replied Mary “this is our summer”. Well this should give you an idea of our summer outing – best laid plans and all that.

1pm on Sunday saw 18 of us leaving Dundee University Nursing Campus. Not before wishing Kerry a very happy birthday and giving her a fine rendition of the same. The sun was shining and we were heading north to Birnam and Dunkeld for a lovely circular walk, to culminate with high tea at the Royal Dunkeld Hotel. T in the park was well underway and we were careful to avoid being directed there, although a few members had their offspring there reveling in the mud. Little did we know that before long we would be in a similar situation? A lovely drive to Perth and then the heavens opened. Well some on the bus were certain that when we reached Dunkeld and the bus park the shower would pass, and it did.

All out and first stop the well cared for toilets. 30 pence entry fee but two vases of fresh flowers in the Ladies – I ask you where were the tourists to see such a sight! All refreshed, gathered together and ready to go a wee quiz was handed out just to give a fun element, thankfully in plastic poly pockets. Off we set up the drive towards the Hilton Dunkeld House Hotel.A small herd of deer were seen at quite close hand in Atholl Park. The grounds of the hotel are part of the Perthshire Big Tree Country and we saw some amazing tree specimens.

For those who might want to go back a map of the trees in the grounds can be downloaded from the hotel website. At the top of the drive with the hotel in sight we had the first drops of rain. Donning our jackets, plastic ponchos and assorted rainwear we turned off the drive to walk along the bank of the beautiful River Tay. As determined as we were to enjoy the walk the rain was even more determined.

One stop amongst the trees, which gave some protection we decided to make a dash for Dunkeld Cathedral. We now had to contend with flooded footpaths but we made in into the sanctuary of the Parish Church of Dunkeld. An extract from their web page states the following

“as you enter the Cathedral grounds you will be struck by the beauty of the setting and the sense of peace – a sense of the presence of God. Come as a visitor, but become a pilgrim as you walk where Christians have lived and worshipped for centuries and take some time to pray, to be still and know God”.

After spending some time exploring the treasures held within the church we took the unanimous decision to abandon the walk and head for the hotel. We walked by way of Dunkeld Square, past the Ell shop, Duchess Anne Hall, Atholl Memorial Fountain and the lovely wee houses owned by the National Trust for Scotland, hightailing it to the Royal Dunkeld Hotel. Thankfully our early arrival was anticipated by the hotel staff and they accommodated our request for an earlier tea (not before some member of our group tried drying their clothing with the hand drier in the gents toilet). You would never know by the buzz as we enjoyed our meal that some members were soaked to the skin. Thanks to all for their perseverance.
Happily fed and watered and still raining it was back to the bus for our journey back to Kirkcaldy. Guess what, Kirkcaldy had only had a few wee showers – ah well.

Dunfermline

On Pentecost Sunday we decided to venture to the ancient capital of Scotland ---- no, not Edinburgh or Stirling --- but Dunfermline! Three carloads travelled along to Pittencrieff car park, abandoned our cars and set off through the ‘Glen’ down to the lower gate. Our first stop was at the Andrew Carnegie birthplace museum --- which has recently been renovated and expanded and this was a very interesting visit. We learned a lot about the world’s richest man and greatest philanthropist. Apart from having access to the wee upstairs room where the whole Carnegie family lived (fascinating) we also learned about many other families and companies from elsewhere in Britain and overseas who have given away billions of pounds to the needy (eg the families Rowntree, Cadbury, Heinz and many more).

Then we moved on, up to the ancient Abbey buildings, through the Pends , past the old Royal Palace and into the Abbey Kirk. We were met by Anne Toshack who told us about the history of the Abbey site from the time of King David 1st (and before) – the story about his parents King Malcolm and Queen Margaret (and her sanctification) –then through the Reformation --- right up to the early nineteenth century when the present Abbey Kirk was constructed. We wandered around the Kirk and looked through to the Nave of the ancient Abbey --- built by the same masons who built Durham Cathedral. Of course, we heard the story of King Robert the Bruce and saw the beautiful marble and brass memorial plaque on top of his grave, which lies directly below the Pulpit.

We moved on to the Abbot House for our customary coffee and cake stop---- braw!

Finally, we walked back through the Glen to our starting point.

It was a good visit, and the weather was kind to us!

Torryburn 29th May 2011

Mary and Joe proposed this walk as they happened upon it last year. Once at Torryburn there is a nice flat walk along the shore towards Crombie Point, suitable for wheelchair users. Today it was blawin' a gale but we so enjoyed being buffeted and getting the cobwebs blown away. Then came our visit to the Southern Hemisphere Gardens which proved to be fascinating to all of us. First of all we accessed the gardens through wonderful wrought iron gates which were replicated throughout the area. These were worth discussion even before we reached the plants. The lady who has developed these beautiful gardens, Ursula McHardy, is a botanist whose passion for exotic species and longing to create her own botanic garden was realised only seven years ago. With the help and vision of her daughter and dedicated gardeners she has transformed a neglected overgrown space and woodland. It is a private garden and free to walk around and enjoy but donations are welcome to help with upkeep. There were plants, trees and vegetation from the Antipodes , South America and South Africa as well as some we actually recognised. There were little waterfalls and a pond where the lilies looked as if they were just about to burst. Mrs McHardy had planted each area with the same type of plant eg insect eating ones, rock plants and bog-loving plants. We could have listened to this lady for a long time. She believes in the evolution of plants and spoke scathingly about some new varieties. If her flowers and plants do not turn out 'the same or better than Mama then they are best to be thrown on the compost heap.' A lesson learned. We had to move on though after looking in on her vegetable plot and her chickens, but we all felt we would pay a return visit.

A cirular walk in the countryside brought us back to the cars and then the second delight of the day - fabby scones at Culross Palace! And what a variety! Have you ever fancied a corned beef and beetroot scone? Well, go sample one at Bessie 's Tearoom. Spirits raised, we headed for home.

Easter Morning . Falkland Hill

Wait for it................

Kettlehill

Thanks must go to Hamish Brown again for planning the route for today's walk. It has been a glorious day in wonderful Fife countryside and our souls are all the better for soaking up the wholesomeness (is that a word?). You can tell this was a good 'un.
We parked at Kettlehill and walked in a circle through Coaltown of Burnturk, Downfield Farm,actually through ploughed fields and over fences, some of us surprised at our own agility. We encountered many heilan' coos and sheep with their wee lambs today, and a prize bull gave us the evil eye as he heard us estimating how many steaks he could provide. We kind of went astray at farm houses called Brotus, but ended up on Middleton Road, the Main Road leading back into Burnturk. We stopped a couple of times on this road to give way to drivers who were clearly not interested in taking in the views. But we also stopped at the best vantage point to enjoy the spectacular views from the Lomonds across the Howe of Fife which was at its best today. Downhill from here on in, we stopped in Burnturk at a dilapidated old house which had a breadbin in the open window. On investigation it seems that daily newspapers are deposited here for collection by the local folk. How quaint.
The pedometer showed only just over 4 miles but we all think it got it wrong again.
On to Muddy Boots for our refreshments and planning for the next couple of walks. 15 friends shared a lovely, healthy afternoon with a lorra lorra laughs. Yecannawhackit.