Strathyre trip is a hit
Ramblers enjoy a fantastic day of hiking
The words of the traditional song “O’ it’s up in the morn and awa’ to the hill” were appropriate for Our Lady of Lourdes Hiking Club members recently as they explored the forests, hills and glens of bonnie Strathyre.
After a brief stop in Callander on the outward journey, the coach moved on to the village of Strathyre where low and high-level walking groups headed off their respective ways into the western Strathyre Forest.
Passing the front of the village shop, the low levellers crossed over the River Balvaig by the old military bridge and began their walk on tarmac passing by the few houses on the west side of the river.
The initial stage of the walk northwards followed National Cycle Route 7 on a good, single- track, tarmac surface. Lunch was taken at a pleasant spot on a quiet, narrow, stone bridge that provided the ideal seating for many members.
Later, the route deteriorated into rough, stoney track and further on into grassy hill paths as the group followed a wide circle taking it back down to Strathyre via immature forest plantation.
The high levellers had their ups and downs as they headed west up though the forest then took a downward, south-west track, skirting the forest as they made their way into Glen Buckie.
Passing by Shielings, a steep climb took them up to the 821 metres top of Ben Vane.
Due to wind, some rain and poor visibility, the group didn’t linger but soon descended back into Glen Buckie and took an eastward path towards Loch Lubnaig and the single track road back up to Strathyre. Both groups enjoyed generally pleasant walking weather. Nature lovers amongst the group were delighted to hear the rattle of a distant woodpecker and to see spring flowers such as wood anemone, bluebells and golden saxifrage fringing the roadside.
A social hour in Callendar allowed time for swapping impressions of the day walking in ‘bonnie Strathyre’ over a relaxing pint of beer or restorative coffee and scones. If you would like to try a walk with OLOL hikers, the next walk sign-up night will be at 7.30pm tomorrow in the downstairs hall of Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church in The Murray.
Information on the approaching Lake District weekend will also be provided. Call Charles on (01355) 245123 visit the club’s website www.ololhikingclub.co.uk