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.