Almondell country park

Charlie writes:
Today, the 10th of May, 13 members of the group travelled to Almondell Country Park, West Lothian to walk the Lin's Mill Loop, a round trip  of 4 miles. We proceeded via the Visitor Centre, across the suspension bridge, over the River Almond to follow the footpath by the canal feeder and encountered stiles on the way.  Illieston Castle was visible to our left. this was the ancient hunting seat of James 11 and James 1V. We climbed out of the wooded area to the Union Canal and the Aqueduct where splendid views to north and south were had. The canal opened in 1822 after 4 years of construction, and is used for boating, fishing, walking and biking. We left the towpath, a short distance from the aqueduct to take the minor road to pass Muirhead Cottage and Lookaboutye Farm before turning into the road to the park.
The Wallace stone is found in this vicinity and was erected in memory of William Wallace by the 11th Earl of Buchan. The next stop was Craigie's farm, perched on a hill midway between Kirkliston and Sth Queensferry, where refreshment was taken in pleasant surroundings accompanied by pleasant views down the River Forth. Altogether a most enjoyable outing.

Cupar

Fourteen walkers set off from the Church at 1.30  pm for the walk starting at Fluthers Street Car Park in Cupar.   Through a couple of streets, we came to an uphill road at the top of which was the old Hawklaw Government Communication Centre.   From there on it was all downhill, past KingaskFarmhouse and Buildings, with some lovely views of the open countryside, towards Foodieash Village (stopping along the way to feed the horses)    Through Foodieash Village along a country track towards ‘B’ listed Hilton House (with beautiful drive adorned with daffodils)   Down the road now towards Cupar town centre and back to the car park.   A short drive to Muddy Boots for tea/coffee and lovely fruit scones enjoyed by all .

Linlithgow Sunday 16th March 2014

Charlie wrote -

Twenty one walkers took part in today's walkabout in Linlithgow, a town bounded by the Union Canal to the south and the Palace and Loch to the north. 

  Setting off from the Station, East Car Park, and passing through an area called St Magdalene's, named after the local Distillery and now tastefully transformed into flats, we joined the Union Canal.   Proceeded via the Linlithgow Basin to Preston Road where we headed into town crossing the High Street to meet the Loch Trail.   Any connection with Rhona? 

 We circled the loch which accommodates sailing, fishing and a variety of wildlife, and with a minor deviation through The Cross, where the splendid Town House building stands, the Market Lane returned us to the loch side.   The Palace, a truly outstanding building, was next to be admired, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and home of the Stewart Kings.   On completion of the trail, refreshments were taken locally and a pleasant 5 miles walk came to a close on return to the car park with some window shopping along the way.

 

 

Leslie

Audrey writes -----14 of us got a bit wet on the first part of our walk from Leslie to Riverside / Town park  Glenrothes, on Sunday, but the weather soon improved, so we could all enjoy the snowdrops on our way back to collect cars, then off to Balgeddie hotel for tea and scones.

Thank everyone who didn't complain about the wee detour.

Abercorn to Blackness

Charlie writes...
Sixteen members of the walking group made tracks to the village of Abercorn which is near the shore of the River Forth in West Lothian, just three miles from the Forth Road Bridge.
 Abercorn once housed a monastery and a castle which are no longer evident, but the small church is, and has been since the 12th century. A small museum is housed in the churchyard.
The walk of approximately 5 miles to Blackness and return took us through woodland, over the Black Burn and across grassland.
Blackness originally served as a port for Linlithgow and is dominated by Blackness Castle, an impressive structure which was both a residence and a prison.

Although it was cold and windy at times it was refreshing to be in the midst of such beautiful surroundings with panoramic views of the Forth Bridges, Fife and the Ochil hills.
A pleasant walk was rounded off with refreshments being taken at a nearby Garden Centre accompanied by chat and a customary browse in the shop.
Thanks to Joe Stark for photos.

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

 

Our neighbourhood

We donned our rainwear before leaving the church on the last of  our outings for 2013.
because the walk was so short, we added a bit of interest by making it a clue searching game. 18 clues were placed in the windows of folk we know, folk we don't know, shops, churches and railway station. Only one Fife council establishment removed the clue before the time! The fun was wearing a bit thin though by the time we returned to the church, drookit.

While we were away, the Stark clan had been busy in the kitchen making a Christmas curry for the walkers. But promise of valuable prizes to be won kept us studying the results of the game, trying to work out the anagram.  Steven and Kerry were the lucky winners who discovered the answer, ' O Come let us adore him.'

At 3pm our guest arrived. No, not Santa. Liz Houston a very talented art teacher whom we were very fortunate to book, got the group organised making paper flowers out of Christmas paper and we formed these into a Christmas wreath for display in the sanctuary. Liz also showed us how to make an origami Christmas tree which those who have grandchildren will take home to entertain the children in the lead up to Christmas.
The aroma coming from the kitchen was getting to us by this time so when the plates of chicken curry and rice and nan bread were served, we were very receptive!
Mary had brought her home-made ginger wine for us which always gives that seasonal kick. Many thanks to  the Stark  family, Mary and Joe, daughter and son in law Ashley and Craig, and not forgetting the delightful, well mannered and hardworking ( chips off the old blocks!)grandchildren Kirsty and Blair who served us and cleared up afterwards.
 

May you and your families jingle all the way as you celebrate the miracle, the gift and the promise of Christmas. Love to all.