Third time lucky as hikers finally make Dunkeld trip
Weather holds out and walkers savour great day out
Following the very poor weather experienced during the last two outings, members of Our Lady of Lourdes Hiking Club were hoping their trip to Dunkeld would be a ‘third time lucky’ occasion.
The conditions did not look too promising on departure from East Kilbride, but the outlook improved as the bus travelled north to the drop-off point at Kindallachan.
The plan for the day called for both groups to start from Kindallachan and walk to Dunkeld by different routes of approximately 12 kilometers, each through some of the most splendid hill country in Scotland.
The low walkers would go via Loch Ordie and Mill Dam, whilst the high walkers would take a route by the same two stretches of water but would also take in the 511-metre summit of Deuchary Hill, plus Lochan Na Beinne located close to this summit at an altitude of 420m.
The underfoot conditions were quite wet and muddy in places but at least it did not rain and the ambient temperature remained reasonably warm.
The scene at Loch Ordie was one of tranquillity and peace and some cajoling was called for to get the group moving again such was the desire to linger.
From the shore of Loch Ordie, the low walkers followed an old rough track which contoured around the western side of Deuchary Hill before heading south by Mill Dam and on to Dunkeld.
The route for the high walkers headed steadily upwards to the south-east passing Lochan Na Beinne on the way to the summit cairn of Deuchary Hill.
Some mist still lingered at the summit but it was not a ‘grey-out’ by any means and the members enjoyed an excellent view with some restriction imposed by the mist. The descent down from Deuchary Hill on the south side is fairly steep and care was required in places due to mud and slippery underfoot conditions.
But there were no mishaps and all reached the main track at Mill Dam safely.
The remainder of the walk into Dunkeld was a fairly genteel stroll on good track through pine forest mainly but with the last 1km being on paved surface along the A923 into the village and the waiting bus.
All members appeared to be very satisfied with the walks and with the weather in particular as this had a considerable influence on the enjoyment of the day.
The watering holes of Dunkeld were explored with enthusiasm and the journey south again to East Kilbride was quiet and peaceful. The next outing will be this Saturday, travelling south to St Mary’s Loch and the Grey Mare’s Tail.
To sign on, members are asked to contact the bus convener directly as the hall is not available for the usual signon.
For more information about the club’s activities, visit www.ololhikingclub. co.uk or e-mail ololhikingclub@ yahoo.co.uk or call Charles on (01355) 222464.