Stuck with the stragglers, I drifted into a Zen-like state. Slow is the new fast
On a recent outing with The Scots Magazine’s Take a Hike club, I found myself as back-marker – checking all the tailenders were OK – and what an eye-opener it was.
Rather than it being a foot-dragging dawdle, it allowed me to enjoy the surroundings all the more. Those at the rear were not crawling or struggling, just going more slowly than I would. Is that a bad thing? Not at all.
While giving words of encouragement and suggesting water stops, I was able to appreciate the view more. At a slower pace you can enjoy the different sides to a cleft in a rock, a burn or the destination ahead – which was eventually reached.
It reminded me of a day I enjoyed at Tentsmuir Point, in Fife, where a good walk can always be had at a place where old pines make way for sandy beaches and an array of wildlife.
On parking up by Morton Lochs, for some reason, I lingered longer, enjoying the sight of birds soaring and swooping over the water. This pause put me in what some might call a Zen-like state.
I felt I was walking slower than usual, or at least with a more rhythmic stride – although anyone who has seen me at a wedding will know rhythm is not one of my strong points.
It was a pleasure to stop and examine gnarled tree roots and branches without the sense I needed to rush on. Further on, I reached the sandy beaches of Tentsmuir
Location: Length: Height: Time: OS Landranger: Parking:
Tentsmuir 10 miles Negligible (33ft) 4-5 hours
59 Go South of Tayport and, after 1.5 miles go left, down a stony track. The car park is at the end of the track, on the right.
and the perfect place to pause for a while.
Although I was pretty much on the move for most of the walk, I didn’t have my head down, tracking the movement of my feet. It meant making diversions to take in views from different angles, or exploring interesting places along the way – such as the old ice house hidden in the trees.
As Tentsmuir Point is reached, you begin your return along the north edge of the nature reserve, next to the Firth of Tay. Here it’s usually very quiet, away from the main crowd of walkers and picnickers, and seals, both common and grey, can be seen on the sandbanks.
The calmness I enjoyed continued even when I got back into my car. Some might call it mindfulness or say it is a “thing” – I just call it a brilliant way to enjoy a day in the country.
Top tip: Norman’s Law is a great wee hill with views along the Firth of Tay and across to the Angus Glens, as well as along the Ochil Hills. Start from Luthrie.