Hikers head for birch woods of Aberfeldy

The birch woods of Aberfeldy were the starting point for Our Lady of Lourdes Hiking Club’s walks recently.

Heading off from The Murray by coach, the group’s first comfort stop was in Crieff giving walkers the chance to fasten on their gaiters and even grab a quick cup of coffee.

On arrival outside Aberfeldy in sunny weather, both groups meandered off through the birch wood, celebrated by Burns as “The Birks of Aberfeldy”, past stunning waterfalls and spring flowers.

The low-level route was a very pleasant hike starting off through the woods and skirting by the Falls of Moness where the Bard, it is said, stopped and was inspired to immortalise the place in his poem.

This 12.5 kilometres route climbed fairly gently westwards over wooded Bolfracks Hill along part of the Rob Roy Way before making its descent finally to Kenmore.

The weather throughout was mainly sunny with nature throwing in a just bit of wind and a tiny spot of icy rain to avoid anyone becoming too complacent that winter is actually over.

Meanwhile, the high-level hikers who started off similarly by the “birks” soon had a moderately steep climb, getting the major effort of the day out of the way.

Leaving the shelter of the woods left the group fairly exposed as it hiked along land rover track across open moorland of heather and blaeberry with occasional bird life (lapwings and grouse) adding interest.

Like the other group, the benefits of ‘layering’ were soon evident as items were put on or taken off according to the vagaries of the weather.

Making good time covering their 13.4km, the high levellers had ample opportunity on the way down to admire the views of mountains farther west and still made it back to Kenmore before the other group arrived.

The hikers then enjoyed a welcome post-walk social hour in the local hotel before returning home to East Kilbride.

Our Lady of Lourdes Hiking Club makes newcomers very welcome on its fortnightly hikes.

The next sign-up date for the forthcoming excursion is tomorrow night at 7:30pm in Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church downstairs hall in The Murray.

Those interested in a friendly walk can phone (01355) 245123 or have a look at the club’s website www. ololhikingclub.co.uk to check the walking calendar.