Holl, Ballo and Harperleas reservoirs

 

 

 

Rona wrote......

The Water of Life route in the Lomond Hills Regional Park saw 13 walkers setting off on Sunday

 It was a lovely day, some cloud and a gentle breeze as we parked the cars at the Holl Reservoir.Starting off with one of Mary's sookie sweeties we had a gentle start on a Tarmac road which took us around the north end of Holl Reservoir, through a kissing gate to start a gentle ascent on farm tracks which were mainly dry underfoot. Passing Drumain Reservoir on our right we headed through open grassland with grazing sheep towards a tree belt which once through led us to a fertile strip between Ballo and Harperlees Reservoirs. Crossing between the two waters gave us fabulous views of the West Lomond and we were just thankful that we weren't going to climb it. A gentle ascent from the reservoirs led us onto a firmer track with fenced fields taking care to stay on the track and not going near the territory which stated "danger bull in field". A brief stop was had at a lovely old ruin and this necessitated a photo call as the open views were just amazing.Discussion took place as to the origins of the ruin.

Striding onwards we exited the track on the south side of Craigmead car park and heading in this direction on the road we eventually took a track through a field to our left. This was rougher walking and walking poles were a boon here with Kelly taking the lead and shooing the sheep out of our way. Walking for a bit by the shore of Ballo Reservoir we again had a steep rise but stopped to say hello to two ponies, a Jack Russell terrier, billy and nanny goats and a field of cows. Who says we never see any wild life! They looked pretty wild to us.

Our final descent took us past the water treatment works which purifies our drinking water and a return road to our parked cars where we said our Walkers Prayer. "May the road rise to meet you " was very apt today.

The Fife Coast and Countryside Trust describe the following "From Buckhaven to Burntisland we drink the water of the Lomond Hills. Holl reservoir contains enough water for about 8 Billion (8,000,000,000) cups of tea". Now think of that walkers! Well stopping at Fettykil Fox for refreshments there's now a lot less water in the reservoirs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hill of Tarvit/Ceres circular

 

 

Phil wrote:

The walk chosen was a distance of about four miles across mainly undulating farm tracks and paths. Starting from the Edwardian Mansion house at Hill of Tarvit, passing by Whitehill Farm, then picking up the old Moor road into Ceres. From there, the old track to Pettycur (Waterless Road) by Denhead Farm then down to and across the Craigrothie Burn and returning to the House.

Although the weather forecast was not favourable, the fresh wind kept the rain away and we enjoyed some warm bright spells. The ground underfoot was surprisingly dry with only one or two small areas showing sign of recent downpours. As it was, the rain held off until the last few minutes by which time we were able to take refuge in the attractive Mansion cafe for tea, coffee and fruited scones (irresistably smothered in jam and clotted cream). Wall panels in the cafe described the history and ownership of the house which was substantially remodelled by Sir Robert Lorimer in 1906 for the Sharp family.  Under present day NTS ownership, a 9 hole 'hickory club' golf course, putting green and Croquet lawn are available to visitors (maybe next time).  A short visit to browse through the NTS gift shop rounded off the day.

 

 

Dalgety Bay

 

Charlie wrote -

On Sunday, 20th July, a hot and sunny afternoon, to be relieved occasionally by cloud cover and a  breeze, welcomed 18 members of the walking group to Braefoot Bay, to explore the delights in and around Dalgety Bay.   Joined the coastal path, aka Beech Avenue, for a short time before turning onto Braefoot Point path which runs between two fields and enters a woodland area to arrive at a disused Second World War stone pier.

From here can be viewed wonderful panoramas of the River Forth, Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Not to be missed.   This area was home to a Gun Batttery during the war and some of the buildings are still evident.   Exited the trees and moved west along the minor road to St. Bridget's Kirk, the ruins of a medieval church dating back to 1170.

 

 

 

 

  Turned inland and up and over a bit of a gradient in the road leading to the Cornerstone Church and in turn to the Eastern Access Road.

Then proceeded to take the first right into Ridge Way and through the Industrial Estate to the Garden Centre for a refreshing cuppa, goodies and a blether.

All too soon, it was back on the road again, the Western Access, that is, in the direction of the shore.

Regent Way was next to be traversed, soon to be followed by Moray Way South and an entrance to the coastal path with some different perspectives of the Forth and surrounding area.  Worth seeing.

The circuitous route revisited St Bridget's Kirk and then on to Beech Avenue once more for the final stretch to the Car Park.   The distance of 6 miles was a wee bit more than had been anticipated but most enjoyable nevertheless.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kilconquhar, Elie

Rona wrote - Parking on the Main Street in Elie we set off eastwards along the high street heading for the drive to Elie House. Entering through some grand entrance gates we headed up the lovely meandering drive, passing Elie House on our right hand side. Shortly we left the Tarmac drive and walked on lovely dry paths through a woodland. Shortly we reached Kilconquhar Loch and stopped at the old jetty. When doing the recki a couple of weeks previously a couple of Herons flew up from a nesting site directly in front of us, but no such luck today. However the view over the Loch was lovely, looking towards Kilconquhar Church and village - so peaceful. Continuing thought the woodland on an old estate path we eventually reached a quiet road which meant a short stretch of quiet road walking which took us to the entrance driveway to Shell Bay Holiday Park. After a short stretch on this road we turned off into a forest trail and saw some giant hogweed between 4-6 foot tall. Glad it wasn't in my garden! Time was rapidly running out and as it was a really warm day we were desperate for our coffee stop, so we cut the walk short and walked the perimeter of the holiday park before reaching a lovely farm track which took us into Earlsferry. Passing the golf course with lots of golfers out today, we then had a brisk walk along the Main Street towards Elie and our coffee stop the Elie Coffee Shop, where we partook of a great selection of delicious scones and tea and coffee. The perfect end to a day but thinking of our friends who for various reasons couldn't be with today. Look forward to seeing you back with us at the next walk

 

Rameldrie, Cupar

Dianne  wrote –

The walkers were kindly invited to visit Margaret and Walter Simpson’s cottage near Kettlebridge today. We had to follow a map just to reach the cottage as it sits at the back of beyond. Just before we got there we had a wee panic driving through a muckle dub which was so deep we held our breaths till we got through to the other side. Such a lot of work has gone on at the cottage since we last saw it. Idyllic setting.

 Inside, Walter had one of the two  open fires blazing and we were enthralled by the bellows, wood saw and baskets of kindling hanging up to dry and the very old black kettle sitting at the fireside.  We were invited to look at the bedrooms in the attic space which we accessed by way of the staircase from an old double decker bus. Margaret and Walter told us the history of the cottage (1705) and how they came to have possession.  Margaret then led us on a beautiful country walk starting from the cottage which is named Dam’s Rameldrie (engraved above the lintel on the door). We could smell those country smells, especially the wild garlic, as we walked along the edges of fields, tracks the tractors take and bridle paths.   Through Devon Woods, past Hiltonhill Farm Coaltown of Burnturk and Cults, around 5 miles we think. Charlie knew this walk and took us a short detour for a ‘surprise’ which turned out to be Eastwood pets’ cemetery among some trees. Mmm…thanks Charlie.

We saw an eco house en route – very interesting until we discovered that the materials came from Sweden. Not sure how to balance out that long expensive journey with environmentally friendly views. Scotland surely could have provided sustainable materials to create such a building? Right. Off soap box.

Back on track we depended on Margaret’s directions passing by her neighbours who were tidying their gardens. A couple of us bought some eggs there. We passed Rameldrie Mill and the burn which runs down below Dam’s Cottage. Back at the start again, Walter had the kettle boiling for tea and coffee and we enjoyed some scones, gingerbread and a yummy fruitcake which Margaret had made for us. They are really such perfect hosts. They even laid on entertainment – indoor carpet bowls which the Reds v. Blacks played with a degree of skill but mostly with not a clue. So after our refreshments and a bit of fun we set off for home, only stopping at the cottage garden for a cutting of sage.

The weather was just perfect this afternoon – calm and warm with only a wee threat of the wet stuff at one point.  17 walkers and as always we had a great opportunity to talk, and importantly listen to each other, getting a flavour of what is happening in folk’s lives.  Sometimes when we get home we think of these friends who need our thoughts and prayers. Lots to be thankful for today.

 

 

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 .