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 "Airundle National Nature Reserve" |
 "Neptune's Staircase, Ft William" |
Our volunteers have been out to recce
routes and accommodation for this year's holiday. It will be in the Ft William
area from Monday 2nd to Thursday 5th June. Members can choose to stay in the
bunk house at Corran Ferry, where the facilities are excellent - en-suite twin
rooms, good facilities for wheelchair users etc. Alternatively, they can opt to
stay in B&B and join the start of the rambles. After crossing to the
Ardnamurchan Peninsula on the ferry at Corran the first ramble is from
Strontian to Ariundle National Nature Reserve. The following day's ramble is
from Gairlochy on the Caledonian Canal to Neptune's Staircase near Ft William.
 "Enjoying a blether" |
The sun shone for Forth & Tay¢s first outing of the season to
Quarrymill, Perth . Although the cafeteria does not open until later in the
month, staff kindly opened the toilet facilities at the start.
Park
ranger, Tam, accompanied the group and pointed out interesting features along
the way. The ramble runs along the Annaty Burn through a lovely, wooded valley.
There are way-marked walks, many natural attractions and a number of the
facilities are accessible to wheelchair and scooter users. Two of the walks
within the park have been specially laid out for wheelchair users and there are
also viewing platforms and picnic areas.
 "New FTDR chair at Quarrymill" |
 "Scone Parish Church" |
New FTDR Chair, Aileen Davis, had arranged
for the Scone Parish Church Hall to be open so that members could have lunch
inside and use the facilities there. The church beadle also opened the church,
where the organist was practicing. In the churchyard stands a monument to
botanist David Douglas (1799 -1834). Douglas was born in Scone and became one
of the greatest plant hunters and explorers of America ¢s northwest.
All in all it was voted a most enjoyable outing.
 "Cycle path from Falkland to Strathmiglo" |
The largest ever FTDR ramble took place between Falkland village and
Strathmiglo on the new cycle path. Twenty eight scooter-users, several walkers
and a large contingent of volunteers, family and friends turned out for the
event.
 "Laying glow sticks on the route" |
Eight FTDR volunteers travelled to Bridge of Orchy to work as marshals
at the annual RBS Caledonian Challenge. The Challenge is 54-mile 24-hour
sponsored event along the West Highland Way and is a major fundraiser for the
Scottish Community Foundation (www.caledonianchallenge.com/). The group split
into 3 teams, two laying glow sticks between Inveroran and Ardlui to mark the
path on the night sections. The third team worked with a paramedic to sweep the
first section of the route between Ft William and Kinlochleven for lost or
injured walkers, picking up litter en route. Our thanks to our 8 hardy
volunteers who raised £1200 for group funds due to their efforts.
 "View from high above North Ballachulish" |
 "Ariundle NNR" |
 "Along the canal" |
 "Meeting Jean" |
 "Dinner at Corran Ferry Bunkhouse" |
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FTDR's 2008 holiday rambles were in the Ft William area. The group
stayed at Corran Ferry Bunkhouse, (www.corranbunkhouse.co.uk/), which has 2
fully disabled-accessible rooms, each with wet-floor showers. The facilities
for people with disabilities at the bunkhouse were excellent and would shame
many large hotels.
On the first evening, Jim Wyllie, one of the group's
longest-serving volunteers, suggested a drive up onto a forest track high above
North Ballachulish .. The track was rough but it was quite spectacular giving
panoramic views across the surrounding area. Unfortunately, the midges were
also in full flight so the stay was short!
The following day's ramble
started in the village of Strontian on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula after
crossing on the Corran ferry. From there members rambled on a single track road
to the Ariundle National Nature Reserve, stopping off at the Ariundle Centre
(www.ariundle.co.uk/) on the way back for coffee and home baking. In mid
afternoon the convoy left Strontian and travelled on the A861 via Salen,
Acharacle and Kinlochmoidart. The route passes a stone tablet and a line of
trees in memory of the seven men of Moidart who sailed with Bonnie Prince
Charlie. A stop at Glenfinnan to see the famous railway viaduct which features
in a Harry Potter film finished off a perfect day.
On day three the
ramblers started at Gairlochy Lock on the Caledonian Canal and rambled 7 miles
along the towpath to Neptune 's Staircase. En route the group met a smartly
attired walker by the name of Jean who was on her way from Lands End to John o'
Groats - carrying all her own equipment! Our thanks to British Waterways for
permission to park the vans at Gairlochy.
 " Thank you Sport Relief for the new rain capes" |
 " Porpoise watching " |
 "We'll be back again next year" |
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Heavy rain threatened to stop play at the Broughty Ferry ramble but the
new rain capes saved the day. The group was once again grateful to Sport Relief
for providing funding for these. Members gathered in the Glass Pavilion for
morning coffee but it was obvious that it was not going to fair up so a
surprising number of hardy souls set off along the promenade towards Monifieth.
Back at the car park at the end of an exhilarating run a school of porpoises
kept everyone entertained whilst they ate a later-than-usual lunch.
 "Relaxing on board " |
 "Entering the tunnel " |
 "Going on the Falkirk Wheel" |
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As part of this year's social programme a trip was organised with the
Seagull Trust Falkirk Branch. Twenty-two members and carers enjoyed a relaxing
cruise on the Trust's two barges along the Union Canal from the Bantaskine
boathouse to the Falkirk Wheel. Thanks to the Seagull Trust volunteers who made
it a most enjoyable day and kept members supplied with tea and coffee on board.
 "Along Boblingen Way" |
 "Multi User path" |
The second scoot around Glenrothes took members west from the scooter
garage in Woodside along Boblingen Way to the B-listed Cabbagehall Railway
Viaduct. The route once carried a branch line connecting Leslie to Markinch
over the River Leven Valley . The group stopped for lunch just beyond the
viaduct before turning back.
This path connects Glenrothes with Leslie
on a well-surfaced cycle path running for several miles with no gradients or
barriers. It is, however, necessary to cross a couple of roads, but one of
these has pedestrian lights.
 "BBQ shelter area" |
 "Vogrie House" |
 "North path at Vogrie Country Park" |
 "North path Woodland Walk" |
In spite of torrential rain in the early hours of the morning the July
ramble went ahead to Vogrie Country Park near Dalkeith. On arrival members,
friends and volunteers stopped for a coffee and home baking in the Cedar Tree
Cafe before setting off round the North Path, which runs around the perimeter
of the park. Mid-Lothian Ranger Jo Cooke gave members a very interesting talk
on the history of the park and identified numerous types of trees en route.
Thankfully, the rain stayed off for the duration of the ramble -
although members were well protected thanks to new rain capes, purchased
earlier this year with funding from Sport Relief (a subsidiary of Comic
Relief).
Vogrie is a Victorian parkland estate. The main drive leads
down to the big baronial style Vogrie House. There are three ponds around the
park, which were teeming with tiny frogs. As well as the natural aspects the
park boasts a miniature railway, an adventure playground and kiddies' play park
and a 9-hole golf course. There are also BBQ sites, which can be booked.
There is a disabled toilet inside Vogrie House and another beside the
adventure playground. There is dedicated disabled parking down beside the big
house and newly-created spaces in the upper car park at the entrance.
After completing the North Path the group moved on to the Rhododendron
walk, stopping at the BBQ shelter area for a picnic and Kitty's Sunday Post
quiz.
Although off the beaten track, Vogrie is well worth a visit.
 "Stenton Pond " |
 "Lunchat Stenton Pond " |
Forth & Tay ran 3 walks at the recent Fife Outdoor Access Festival.
The first was from Woodside to Stenton Pond local nature reserve. Members
enjoyed a gloriously sunny day (unusual but true) stopping for lunch at the
pond which is abundant with bird life. The second ramble was to Lochore Meadows
using the new route round the loch. The final walk was from Ravenscraig Park,
Kirkcaldy - in the rain down to Harbormaster's House, Dysart.
 Kirkgate Park |
 Along the path |
 Heading for Pow Burn |
 Heading back to Kinross |
Following last year's rain-soaked ramble around Loch Leven , FTDR
returned to Kinross hoping for better weather. Fortunately it was kind and the
sun even managed to shine briefly at several times throughout the day.
The trail begins at Kinross Pier, where there is a cafe/ bistro serving
teas, coffees and food. There are disabled toilets in the cafe. It then passes
through Kirkgate Park and on past the watchtower. Superb views of Loch Leven
Castle are seen from here.
Off to the right of the path there is a
wheelchair-accessible bird hide fairly near the start. The path then splits at
Mary's Gate, with the 'Town Loop' to the left returning to Kinross and the main
path continuing to the right along to Burleigh Sands. The trail passes through
mature woodland then opens out to give excellent views across the Loch . The
group stopped for lunch at Burleigh Sands before continuing on to Pow Burn. The
new path link from Pow Burn to Levenmouth Woods then on to Vane Farm is now
complete, although there is no wheelchair/ scooter access from the path
directly into Vane Farm as there is an underpass with a number of steps.
 "A sunny day " |
 "Here goes" |
 "On the West Highland Way" |
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Several FTDR members travelled to Milngavie to take part in the
Reservoirs and River Rove, which was part of the walking festival. Ranger
Stewart led the group from Drumclog Car Park around the reservoirs and onto a
short section of the West Highland Way . The group returned via the leafy
suburbs of Milngavie to the Fraser Centre where a magnificent spread of home
baking, fresh fruit and drinks were provided. It was a most enjoyable day and
thanks to East Dunbartonshire Ranger Service for the excellent organisation and
especially for the home-made ramp, secreted in the bushes, to enable wheelchair
and scooter participants to access the road where there was no dropped
kerb.
 " Heading down to the loch" |
 "Lunch at Laggan Farm" |
 "Rain capes save the day again" |
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The first of two rambles in September was from Strathyre along National
Cycle Route 7 towards Callander, finishing at the car park beyond the Forest
Holidays site - six and a half miles in total.
It has been a wet and
windy season but, in spite of recent wet weather, FTDR members were out in
force.
Starting in the Forestry Commission Car Park at Strathyre the
path crosses the River Balvag and offers splendid views along Loch Lubnaig... A
stop at Laggan Farm for lunch was made possible thanks to the kind permission
of local farmer, Mr Peter Brown.
The route follows Loch Lubnaig along
its entire length then passes the Forest Holidays cabins, where staff kindly
allowed us to use their facilities. Again the new rain capes made for pleasant
rambling when the rain did blow through.
Our thanks are also due to our
band of volunteers who had an extremely long day to make this trip possible.
 Alien invasion |
 Bird's eye view |
 Enjoying the show |
 Spectacular! |
The Enchanted Forest is billed as Scotland 's premier sound and light
experience. It takes place at Faskally Wood, Pitlochry in October. The theme of
year's show is 'A Journey through Space'.
Members of FTDR were able to
enjoy the event on press night, the night before the show opens to the public.
After an excellent high tea at Drummond's Restaurant, Pitlochry the group made
their way to Faskally Wood. The tour started at 6.15, just as the light was
beginning to fade. The natural backdrop of the autumn trees provided a
spectacular picture of the loch.
The route is a fairly short, flattish
one around Loch Dunmore with disabled toilets on-site. Shuttle buses transport
members of the public from Pitlochry and back again but disabled visitors can
park in the car park at Faskally Wood.
The visit would not have been
possible without the assistance of our band of trusty volunteers, who drive the
vans and accompany us on the walks. Many thanks to them all.
We are
also extremely grateful to the team of stewards who accompanied us and Hamish
Murray of the Forestry Commission and Tricia Fox of VOLPA for making our visit
possible and most enjoyable.
 SNH Chairman Andrew Thin cuts the ribbon |
 With Mark Beaumont on the Pier |
 The new board walk |
 Seating area overlooking St Serf's Island |
On a spectacularly sunny day world record-holding cyclist Mark Beaumont
helped open the new £1.8 million Loch Leven Heritage Trail around Loch
Leven . It runs from the Pier at Kinross for 8.5 miles around to RSPB Vane
Farm. The Loch Leven Heritage Trail project was managed by TRACKS (The Rural
Access Committee of Kinross-shire). SNH chairman Andrew Thin performed the
official ribbon-cutting to declare the path open to the public.
The
trail is an off-road path which can be used by walkers, cyclists, wheelchair
and scooter-users. There are no barriers to access and gradients are minimal.
The surface is fairly smooth along the entire length. Refreshments are
available at the Pier Bistro where there is a disabled toilet (open summer
months only). Although it is possible to go all the way round to RSPB Vane
Farm, the underpass across the main road is stepped so wheeled access is not
possible.