A weekend of gorge walks, Edzell and Glenisla 19 and 20th 01/19

After seeing the Rocks of Solitude route on Walkhighlands, we headed up to Edzell. There was mention that part of the path was closed due to erosion, there were no definite indications as to which part this was. We started the route in Edzell walking up the left bank of the River Esk but soon had to turn back as there was a barrier blocking the way. We retraced our steps then crossed the river on the shakin' bridge to continue on the right bank. After a while this path got more treacherous with felled trees and was getting narrower, so we headed back to the car to start again from the blue door at Gannochy. This part of the walk was much more enjoyable all the way up the side of the gorge.

River Esk

The blue door

 

Salmon ladder

Tree looks almost like its running away

Snowy Rocks of Solitude

Wee waterfall

Colourful stones

More colourful stones

Shallow pool

More colourful stones

A much shorter walk this time to the Reekie Linn waterfall at Glenisla, well worth the trip to see it.

Long exposures

Falkirk and Falkland walks 12th and 13th 01/19

A lowland walk for a change, this time we headed down to the Falkirk area for a circuit of the Union Canal and the Antonine Wall. The Falkirk Wheel was closed for maintenance but it was still impressive to see as a feat of engineering. The Antonine Wall, which stretched for 37 miles from Old Kilpatrick on the West Coast to near Bo'ness in the East, is steeped in history, dating back to Roman times around 1800 years ago.

The Union Canal

Swan looking for food

The Radical Pend

History walk

Part of the Antonine Wall

The occupying Roman quarters

Rough Castle

The Falkirk Wheel gearing

Impressive sight

A change of direction the next day, this time we headed to Maspie Den by Falkland. The carpark was very busy with lots of other dog walkers. A pretty easy route to follow, but it did get steeper towards the waterfall at the head of the Maspie Burn. There was a steady stream of folk passing under the waterfall as I was trying to take long exposure photos, how inconsiderate of them :-).

Maspie Burn waterfall long exposure

Clear pool

Lesley and Sitka trying not to get wet

The moon over a sunset lit East Lomond

Christmas Holiday Walks 2018/19

We finished off the year with plenty of walks in decent weather as an antidote to the Christmas parties.
The first was a wee dog walk down to the Tay at Murthly, very misty and atmospheric. 23/12/18.

A Christmas Eve walk along the banks of the Tay by Dunkeld, a very frosty and cold day.

Telford Bridge Dunkeld, opened in 1809 by Thomas Telford.

Misty trees by Murthly

Frosty train tracks

Boxing day trek around 5 Mile Wood by Stanley.

Post apocalyptic landscape, it was near Stanley after all.

Colourful forest floor.

Taymouth Castle walk 27/12/18

Sitka enjoying his day out.

Taymouth Castle

Long exposure of the River Tay looking over to the Kenmore Bridge and Ben Lawers.

Evening on Loch Tay

Kirkton Glen near Balquidder, Hogmanay. We have walked here before but this time we headed further up the glen to Rob Roy's putting stone and the Loch of the Irishman.

No shortage of Christmas trees.

Getting steeper and the wind was picking up.

Looking back down the glen with Ben Vorlich in the distance.

Lesley and Sitka battling the high winds at the Loch of the Irishman.

Rob Roy's putting stone

Rob Roy's grave, supposedly not the actual grave site.

Norman's Law by Luthrie in Fife, first walk of the new year 04/01/19.

Trig point and view indicator at the top of Norman's Law which is a prominent hill at the very eastern end of the Ochil fault.

Me and Sitka taking in the view

East and West Lomond, otherwise known as the Paps of Fife

Looking over to the Tay Rail Bridge

Looking down the Carse

Hillocks and humps for miles.

Lesley and Sitka taking the weight off

The last walk of the holidays was along Tentsmuir Forest Beach, a gloves and hat day but great to be near the coast again. 

Lesley and Sitka happy to be out in the fresh air.

Flotsam