No Ordie-nary outing for Claremont club
Loch Ordie was the destination for Claremont Rambling Club in their latest excursion.
The long walk was a muggy 11 miles, with underfoot conditions at times a bit rough.
Meanwhile, the alternative walk was an‘in-and-out’at the start of the main walk, covering 6.5 miles.
Rain eventually fell but those taking part in the long walk were fortunate to be able to take their lunch in the surrounds of Loch Ordie – whereas the alternative group had Dowally Loch to gaze upon.
The morning coffee stop was in Dobbies, Perth and the social hour was enjoyed in the very pleasant Royal Dunkeld Hotel.
The next walk will be this Sunday and the route will be Furnace to Inveraray.
Members are reminded that booking-on for the next walk – and every walk – will only be accepted between the Tuesday and Friday prior to the Sunday outing, and must be made no later than 4pm on the Friday.
Club nights are finished for the summer. However, they will recommence on Tuesday, August 28.
Individuals wishing to join either walks or club nights can be assured of a warm and friendly welcome.
Further information on club activities can be obtained by calling (01355) 225885 or by visiting www.claremont ramblers.btck.co.uk
Duncanrig Rambling Club were rewarded with glorious weather and great views during two walks in the hills above Dunbar in East Lothian.
Both excursions started in the village of Stenton whose name is derived from Saxon times. The village dates from the 13th century.
Records show that William Wallace rewarded the land to Sir Robert De Lawdre (now Lauder) in 1297.
Both groups headed south out of the village towards the Pressmennan Wood and spotted a deer diving through a field plus the odd owl flying above but never saw the Glingbobs and Tootflits – the strange, ‘mythical’ creatures that live in the woods.
After the woods, the group had a short walk on country roads before passing both Deuchrie and Lucknow and climbing up towards Hartside where they enjoyed lunch with wonderful views of Dunbar and Bass Rock.
After lunch, the high walkers took their leave of the alternate walkers and headed round Black Law before following the path that their further walkers had taken down the Herring Road – an ancient route used by fishwives carrying creels of fish to market in Lauder and by the folk from the hills bringing herring back from Dunbar for use during the winter.
The ramblers passed the Black Loch but only after nervously travelling through a field of cows that took a great interest in these strange people.
From the loch, after walking through more woods and down country lanes, the ramblers met the coach outside the church at Spott.
The village of Spott dates back 1500 years. Spott has the dubious distinction of being the last place in Scotland to witness the execution of suspected witches in the 17th and 18th centuries at Spott Loan.
Both groups then enjoyed their social in Dalkeith. The next walks were scheduled for last Sunday near Dunkeld, Perthshire.
Visit www.duncanrig.com for details on all the club activities and new members welcome.