|
 Good forest track |
 Starting to climb |
 Taking a break |
 Noreen's first ramble |
The latest outing found FTDR rambling in Glen Doll in the Angus Glens.
It was the group's first visit to the area but, judging by the positive
feedback from all who took part, it will not be the last.
In
ideal weather conditions the 30 strong group accessed the route, which is
surrounded by beautiful scenery. Glen Doll provides a wonderful range of trees
with the stunning backdrop of high and rugged cliffs. The route taken, mostly
on forestry tracks, ended near 'Jock's Road', which leads over the hills to
Braemar.
 Crossing the Viaduct |
 Negotiating the gate |
 View of Loch Earn |
The number of participants in this ramble had to be restricted due to
lack of car parking space at the top of the glen and the difficulties involved
in trying to get a large number of scooters across the A85 if we used the
larger car park beside the venison burger van. In spite of that 34 people took
part including a large turn out of our faithful volunteers. The ramble will be
repeated next year for those who were not lucky enough to get a place.
The route started at the top of Glen Ogle six miles north of
Lochearnhead and proceeded down the old railway track, crossing a spectacular
railway viaduct, which is visible from the road. Because the path is elevated
it enabled the group to take in the stunning scenery of the mountains and Loch
Earn. The views of Ben Vorlich (985m) and Stuc a' Chroin (975m) were
magnificent in the lovely weather conditions. Many agreed that this was one of
the best rambles the group had experienced.
 Robin Redbreast |
Along the route a particularly tame robin popped out from the bushes and
sat in the middle of the path quite unconcerned whilst cameras flashed around
it and scooters approached.
 Will you marry me? |
During the lunch break, Harry, the A1 Minibus Hire driver, who
accompanies us on nearly all our trips got down on one knee and proposed to
Phyllis, his partner of nine years. Having turned him down on a number of
occasions, Phyllis finally said 'YES', much to the delight of all those who
witnessed the event. Harry and Phyllis informed us that the wedding would take
place on a ramble next year - definitely a first for FTDR. Following the ramble
the group had a meal at the Kingshouse Hotel, Balquhidder.
 Levenmouth Plantation |
 Breaking for lunch |
 Almost done |
 Smell the soup! |
The season's second ramble was a sponsored walk around Loch Leven from
Findatie Car Park to Loch Leven 's Larder. It was organised by Lighter Life
counsellor Laureen Kenny. Thirty seven members and volunteers turned out for
the walk along with a number of Lighter Life clients.
Two of the group's volunteers, Bruce and Jan,
along with A2B Van Hire owner Clarence and A1 Minibus driver, Harry, are at
various stages of the Lighter Life programme and have lost a combined total of
over eighteen stones in the past year.
The
walkers undertook a 10k, whilst the disabled ramblers did 7.5k, raising
valuable funds for Forth & Tay in the process. Although there was a cold
wind, the sun shone towards the end of the walk. Laureen had organised soup,
sandwiches and coffee at the end for all participants, which everyone enjoyed
in the sunshine on the terrace at the Larder.
Our thanks to Laureen for a wonderful spread and a most memorable
day, and to everyone who raised funds for the group as well as to Loch Leven 's
Larder for the magnificent food - and to our magnificent volunteers who make it
all possible.
Around 30-35 members and volunteers set off from the Falkirk Wheel,
crossing the swing bridge to access the canal towpath to Bonnybridge. The
weather was rather overcast. On approaching Bonnybridge there was a wonderful
splash of colour.
Several local residents
obviously take a pride in their gardening and one resident had cultivated the
ground adjacent to the towpath with a variety of plants, which produced the
colour. The group stopped for lunch on the towpath at Bonnybridge. On the
return the sun broke through briefly, and the water was so calm that there were
beautiful reflections of the trees and bushes. The conversation focussed on two
large modern houses with two identical pieces of wrought iron artwork on the
hillside not far from the canal. Objects of curiosity! Could that refer to the
objects and the observers at the same time?
On
arriving back at the Wheel it was in motion; a far better experience to observe
than being on one of the boats which are carried on the Wheel. It is a
remarkable piece of engineering, which looks so simple yet you wonder why
nobody had thought of the idea before!
The cafe
facilities at the Wheel are ideal as a starting and finishing point.
Remarkably, the weather was dry for the duration of the ramble. In the morning
it had been wet shortly before arriving and it began to rain on the way back to
the car park. Hopefully the season will continue in a similar fashion.
 Kenneth Glennie |
Another FTDR regular, Kenneth Glennie, died in April. As well as being a
member of FTDR and a walker with "Bums off Seats", Kenny was webmaster and a
member of Open Country, a Harrogate countryside access group for people with
disabilities.
 Christine in the Pentland Hills |
Christine Coyle was a member of FTDR for a number of years, attending
rambles regularly. A former teacher, she had a great love of the outdoors. She
travelled with fellow members to Aviemore to take part in the annual walking
festival in 2007 and 2008.
 Bill and Poppy Noakes at Quarrymill |
The year has not started well for FTDR. In January we lost Bill Noakes,
husband of Poppy. Bill and Poppy had been members for the past couple of years,
coming along in their camper van to rambles. We will all miss Poppy's bright
yellow scooter on outings as she is unable to attend rambles on her own.
2003, 2004,
2005, 2006,
2007, 2008