On Sunday.1st October 10 walkers braved the inclement weather and headed for Blairadam Forest. Reaching the Forestry Commission car park a decision was made to forego the planned route and stick to the waymarked paths. Heading off we passed the totem pole and wall mural advising us to “touch not the cat” and made our way through Woodend Wood to join the Glen Trail where we followed the Burn with trees on either side giving us partial relief from the rain; or not! Past the waterfall, we came to the remains of the 100 foot bridge which carried the railway over the Glen to the Blairenbathie Pit many years ago. We stopped to admire the sculpture depicting the tools used in the mines.
Continuing up the Glen we joined the Blairenbathie Mine Trail along a pleasant wooded path and crossed the Lochornie Burn and Pieries Burn Bridges with leaves falling gently from the trees. Continuing on we joined the Forestry Commission Road which took us back to the Car Park although a small detour was made into the woods to the lower reaches of the Kelty Burn and back.
Baxters was our next port of call where generously proportioned pancakes , scones and tea cakes were consumed along with our usual tea and coffee which was greatly appreciated by all. Finishing with our walker’s prayer we headed off for home having enjoyed our walk.
