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"Checking a
section of the Fife Coastal Path through Ravenscraig Park"
Eight members and volunteers have completed
an Access Auditing training course with Ian Newman of the Fieldfare Trust. Part
one took place at Lochore Meadows in December and part two in early January in
Ravenscraig Park, Dysart in blustery conditions. The group met beforehand to
have lunch at our usual haunt, The Strathearn Hotel, Dysart.
Disabled people visiting Lochore Meadows
Country Park in Fife will be able to get around the park more easily thanks to
a new project at the 'Meadies'. The project was launched on Friday 3rd March by
Councillor Jim Brennan. It is a partnership project between Forth & Tay,
Lochore Meadows and 'Bums off Seats', Fife's Walking for Health initiative. Two
new scooters (Rascal 329LE with seat riser and Invacare Meteor) and a power
chair (Rascal Viva) are now available from Lochore Meadows Outdoor Centre
(01592 414300). To book it is advisable to call the Outdoor Centre first to
check availability. On your first visit, arrive early to allow time for filling
in the registration form. You need to bring along photo ID e.g. passport or
Blue Badge and proof of your home address e.g. up-to-date utility bill or bank
statement etc. One passport-sized photo is needed (£2 for 4 available at
Lochore Main Building reception) but it can be cut from any photo provided it
is clearly you. You will then receive a membership ID card for future visits.
There is a no charge but donations are welcome. After a short training session
you will sit a user competency test. A map of suitable paths will be available
to guide you. 'Bums off Seats' health walks take place on a Wednesday at 1:30pm
at Lochore, meeting at the park gates. Scooter and outdoor powerchair users are
welcome to join in. For more information call Janice Meehan on 01592 414300.
"Boblingen Way -
taking a break."
On a beautiful sunny day twelve ramblers
and volunteers made their way along Boblingen Way to Riverside Park. Here they
enjoyed a ramble through the woods, ending with a picnic lunch on the grassy
slopes. (and the Sunday Post Quiz)
 "A well-earned lunch break" |
 "A view of the reservoir from above" |
 "Scaling the heights" |
The second ramble of the season took place in glorious sunshine. Twenty-five members, seven volunteers and a few friends and family travelled to Gartmorn Dam, Sauchie and spent a most enjoyable day rambling five miles around the reservoir. The ramble was dedicated to the memory of Chris Davie, a keen rambler, who died last year. |
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 "Aviemore Walking Festival " |
A small group of Forth & Tay members and friends travelled to the Cairngorms to take part in the Aviemore Walking Festival over the weekend of 5th and 6th May. The walks were led by Neil Bremner, Festival Co-ordinator. The first ramble took place around Loch an Eilean, which has a ruined castle on an island in the loch. The second day saw the group ramble along the Allt Mor All Abilities trail then continue around Loch Morlich. A few adventurous souls stopped for a paddle in the freezing loch whilst the others enjoyed a spot of sunbathing. Thanks to Neil for his excellent organisation and a most enjoyable weekend and also to Badenoch & Strathspey Community Transport Company for providing the scooters. |
 "Looking back towards Killin" |
 "Glen Lochay in springtime" |
 "A well-earned rest for our volunteers" |
 "At the end of a wonderful day" |
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A group of 41 Forth & Tay members, volunteers, family and friends spent a wonderful day in Glen Lochay, near Killin rambling on the high path above Kenknock. The landrover track, which was created by HydroElectric, runs almost level at approximately 1000 feet, making it a unique experience for many of the members. Our thanks to eagle eyed FTDR Volunteer Organiser, Jim Wyllie, who spotted the route on one of his frequent trips around the Scottish mountains. |
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 "Arthur trainspotting" |
 "South of Coaltown of Balgonie" |
 "Out via Woodside" |
 "Lunch at the Balgonie Arms" |
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Glenrothes Ramblers group invited
FTDR members to join them for their regular mid-week walk. |
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"Members enjoying
the scenery in the Pentlands Hills Regional Park."
Forth & Tay Disabled Ramblers members
travelled to the Pentland Hills Regional Park for yet another successful trip
into the Great Outdoors. The group set off from Harlaw Visitor Cente round
Harlaw Reservoir then along to Threipmuir Reservoir, where they stopped for a
picnic lunch just below Easter Bavelaw Farm. Members then returned along
Threipmuir and back round the other half of the Harlaw Reservoir to finish back
at the Visitor Centre. A large group of greylag geese, which were feeding in
the nearby fields, kept members well entertained over the lunch
break.
 "In amongst the trees " |
 "Along the beech hedge " |
The latest ramble saw the group revisit
Falkland Estate on a gloriously warm September day. Volunteer, Jim Wyllie, who
is a regular walker in the Lomonds, led the group round a challenging route on
the far side of the Estate. In spite of a few hesitant scooters on the slopes
and a puncture, a good day was had by all.
 "Stopping for lunch" |
 "Sunshine after the rain" |
The final Forth & Tay Disabled
Ramblers' outing of the 2006 season was along Devon Way, which runs along
between Tillycoultry and Dollar on the old railway line. Twenty-one
scooter-users and four walkers took part, accompanied by a number of
volunteers, friends and family. Following the short ramble, the group enjoyed a
little retail therapy at Sterling Mills Designer Outlet Village and a coffee
sitting outside in the sunshine - a rare occurence in Scotland in October!.