River Ayr Way Stair - Ayr

This was to be my last outing for 2016, desperately needed to shake off the Xmas inertia and too much food and drink. I didn't want to travel too far so opted for the first leg of this long distance route, a new one for me. The River Ayr walk breaks down nicely into 3 similar stretches.
Today I began my walk at Stair, a lift required as the nearest public transport bus stop at least 2 miles away and headed in the direction of the sea. It is a walk that follows the river about 2/3rds of the way and disappointingly off river for about a third, presumably landowner difficulties the reason for leaving the confines of the river. 

River Ayr near Stair

With the prospects of a good weather forecast to keep me happy I left the hamlet of Stair and headed through a deserted farm track and soon along the riverbank. The first couple of miles is a straightforward and pleasant countryside river walk. A carpet of dead and decaying leaves gives for soft walking. 

The river alternating between fast and calm water with mergansers and dippers for company. On the right, up in the woods, you get sight of Enterkine house hotel, with a large marquee erected, wedding time I presume.
You now catch sight of the very impressive Enterkine rail viaduct built in 1872. It was originally built to transport coal from the pits as well as the Ayr to Cumnock passenger trains, and I believe an occasional goods train still crosses, but I have never seen one. Once under the viaduct the next bridge, Gadgirth, is in sight ( there are quite a few bridges on this walk). Across the water it looks like someone is doing work in the wood, I noticed it was up for sale, a wooden structure has been started, fisherman's stuff maybe?

Enterkine Viaduct

Cross the road at the bridge and keeping to the same bank follow the river towards Annbank. This is a tranquil stretch but there a warning sign at the bridge indicating a dangerous path ahead! It is slightly open flanked at times, eroded and muddy in patches but not sure why dangerous. I presume someone has had an accident and Health & Safety got involved.
Now upon reaching Annbank, a mining village, you take the first diversion from the river. The route I am using (via Walk Highlands) leads through the village and on the very outskirts there should have been a sharp turn left heading back to the river at an old nursery. I missed this (maybe it has gone) and walked the road for half a mile before rejoining at the next bridge. I had not brought an OS map just using my notes, wrong again. 4g did work but did not show this old mill and showed me joining the river if I kept walking. In Annbank there is a small store if you want to buy some provisions, indeed the last one until Ayr.

1st fallen tree

Go over the Tarholm bridge and you have now crossed to the other bank. The next warning sign I encounter is a 'no access to anyone due to giant hogweed'. I am not turning back so on I go and soon hit the boggiest, gloopiest, muddiest section with no option but to get through it. A couple of fallen trees make it even more interesting. Glad I had put on my gaiters.

Wallace's seat

I am rather warm now, indeed sweating, so my middle layer goes in the rucksack. A mixture of warmer weather and effort. I stop at Wallace's view which is okay but seen better. An MTBiker comes towards me, the only person I have seen so far. Good luck to him with that stuff up ahead.
The track rises above the river, pleasant if routine forestry stuff. I can see Auchincruive estate buildings on the other bank. The guide indicates crossing a stile and go across a field but I choose to head down via the river. On a good low river day you can follow this lower track to Oswald bridge but it could be dangerous in high running water. To stay true to my guide I rejoined the field and wished I had not. It was clear horses or cattle roamed here (none visible but recent droppings were in evidence), their hooves creating many deep holes in the grass, not great walking. Plus, the upper plank of the stile crossing has been removed making for a very awkward clamber over a high barbed wire fence. I am sure a few folk would not make this.

Green winter crop.

After crossing Oswald Bridge the next couple of miles takes you well away from the river, passing the college then following a straight cycle route to the A77. It is initially muddy but soon becomes tarmac. This is small homestead land, plenty of horses, kennels etc. But, I did get a close view of a yellowhammer, a rare sight to me these days.

Underpass at A77

At the A77 go down under the road and the river is followed once again. This is now the outskirts of Ayr so expect plenty of dog walkers and just a lot more people. Cross the new bridge at Craigie campus and follow this bank into the historic town of Ayr. Quite a few more bridges on this stretch but don't cross until the very last one which is the end of the walk. This now gives you views of the open sea directly ahead as well as newish residential properties. A short walk down either bank takes you to the docks if you take northern bank or the beach area if you take the southerly one towards the newish flats, Head into the town proper for food, drink or transport homewards.

Not a great day for wildlife but the sightings included: buzzards, heron, mergansers, goosanders, mallards, woodpecker, and all the common woodland birds and of course the yellowhammer.

I enjoyed the walk, a fine day out, just over 4 hours of effort and 11.5 miles. The other two stretches will be completed next month.
It has been a good outdoor year so have a good one and here's to 2017's rambles.

Postscript:

I was disappointed at missing the turn at Annbank so I returned today to complete the walk and it was a good decision. The stretch I missed was just over a mile and a half almost wholly alongside the river. The water is an anglers dream with alternating calm pools and running water. This enhanced the environment as the tranquil surroundings are either calm with only birdsong to break the silence or the roar of fast running water even when the drops are minimal.

At one point I came across this tree covered in Xmas baubles. No idea what the reason for these is.

Little Egret

Then further on I caught sight of a white bird in the river. Got the binos out and I was both delighted and stunned to have seen this Little Egret. I have seen these abroad but to my fading memory not in Scotland, a great surprise. I only got a brief camera shot at distance so apologies for the quality.
So really glad I made the effort, one of the best stretches of the walk. An extra 1.5 miles.

Forth & Clyde Union Canal Ratho - Linthgow

It was a cracking December winter day, ideal for a low level walk. Being in the vicinity of Edinburgh I opted to walk another stage of the Forth & Union canal, my second. In a previous post I walked from Ratho into the start of the canal in Fountainbridge, Edinburgh. This time I am heading west so it is Ratho to Linlithgow.

There were a few people around the barges but by and large a quiet place this morning. The walk is mainly a tree lined wooded environment, easy flat walking. Just out of Ratho the opposite bank is lined with wooden cutout cartoon figures (see snap of Peppa Pig). This continues for over a mile and provides excellent diversion trying to name them all. Must have been 30 plus of them. If you have not had kids or grandkids forget it. These continue until Santa's grotto or is it a castle? I assume that one of the canal boats operates a kids/Santa trip but good fun for walking adults as well.

Peppa

Santa's grotto

After about 3 miles the canal takes a right turn and in front of you is the Almond viaduct which crosses the River Avon which from up here is a long way down. Good site for a bungee jump if you are brave enough. The viaduct gives great views down to the river. If you wish there is a walk diversion down into the country park.

River Almond

Typical woodland stretch

There is still regular aircraft noise and now that the woods are gone for a while and the M8 is also in sight and sound. Broxburn can be seen as well as the red coloured bings, a familiar site to anyone travelling here. I did not realise today's walk goes right past these bings. Also in the distance the tops of the new Forth bridges are in view.

Broxburn bings

Soon the walk goes under the M8 and Broxburn approaches. This is not the prettiest of places with a few surly dogs having to be avoided as well as their owners.
Having survived the walk is quite quickly alongside one of these bings (these are oil shale spoil tips), it seemed quite far away not long ago. I remember in the past these being used by motocross riders, no sign of that today, no doubt health and safety has scuppered that.
Back into open countryside and Winchburgh is reached. Flocks of redwing and fieldfare keep me company as they gorge on the red berries. Just before Winchburgh, on my right there is a small castle like structure and it looks like a golf course beside it, need to look this up. A small canal works depot is located here, Port Buchan I think. They look after the stretch from bridges 19-40. On the path side there is a picturesque graveyard, if you have got to be buried this looks as nice a place as any.

Back into wooded territory again I spot a couple of cyclists heading my way. I expected to see more today but only 4 in total. Indeed it was only a few dog walkers around as well. It is in next years plans to be cycling the full canal but only after I have completed this walk. Suddenly, in this wooded stretch, the temperature drops significantly and zips are pulled up. 

Once again the trees are gone and it is open countryside to to Linlithgow. However in the distance I can see two columns of 'whatever' rising in the distance, Grangemouth no doubt. Also on my right across in Fife another huge column rises, this time flattening out as the hot stuff meets the cold atmosphere. This time the petrochemical site at Mossmorran is no doubt the culprit.

Grangemouth pollution

The town of Linlithgow is in view, a lot more modern housing than when I lived here many years ago. Another historic town, Mary Queen of Scots and all that, but more of Linlithgow's history when I do the next leg.
My walk finished at the train station and as luck would have it one is due in 5 minutes.
The distance recorded at 13.47 miles taking just over 4 hours. 
I was not expecting a great deal of wildlife but pleasantly surprised. Non everyday close sightings included: water vole; grey squirrel; great spotted woodpecker; long tailed tits; fieldfare; sparrowhawk; buzzard; redwing.

Niddrie Castle

PS the castle at Winchburgh is Niddrie castle with a significant history so look it up and it does have a golf course of the same name.

Speyside Way Aviemore - Grantown

You will notice that I have incorporated 3 stages of the Speyside Way into this blog posting. I actually walked the Aviemore - Boat of Garten on one trip and the other two another day but all 3 can fit into a reasonably fit persons walking day or split them into 3 whatever you want.

View over golf course to Lairig Gruh

Starting at the railway station cross over the railway bridge, stop and admire the view south and of the station itself, and take the back road to Dalfaber (follow the cycle path signs if required). At the next road crossing head towards the golf course and that is you. The towns orbital path can be used as well to get to the golf course.

Watch out for bikers

The initial stages meanders past the golf course and through a natural wood to explore if you wish. The path to B of G is a busy MTB cycle route so take care they can be on you before you realise.
The terrain opens out with good views of the Cairngorms and the steam train might pass close by. Follow the good path until you reach a fork, the right hand takes you straight into B of G, the left is woodland trails used by the bikers eventually bringing you to B of G if you take the correct turns. I took the woodland trail, it added about a couple of miles but no views to interest me.
When you break out of the forest there is about half a mile of new and old, mostly very large, houses to admire if you win the lottery.

At B of G there is a cafe, shop and hotel if you want to get refreshments or even the bus or train back to Aviemore. 
If not turn left and follow the main road following the signs to the RSPB Osprey centre. Cross the River Spey, pause and look for salmon if it is the season, then there is a short stretch of road walking before entering woodland again and then into the forest proper at the T junction.

Typical track

The next couple of miles through the forest is a bit boring but plod on. If the right time of year you might want to take a slight detour to the RSPB Osprey centre, but for us they had already flown the nest back to Africa. Look up the tops for Scottish crossbills.
When I broke out of the forest the track had one of these frustrating signs pointing in a half direction. The track looked most used so I went left but of course I should have gone straight on upwards following the tree line. I had my doubts but I had walked another couple of miles before I was sure an error had been made. This mistake either meant a road section for a couple of miles or a similar about turn distance. I was under time pressure to meet someone in Grantown so just walked on via the road.

Bob Dylan where are you?

Nethy bridge is a typical highland hamlet, a mix of very old and new property. I had picked up a Speyside Way sign but there were no more to be seen going through through the village and to this day do not know where the route went. I knew I should now be walking the old railway line. I walked in the right direction going past the golf course and realised I should be somewhere down to my left hand side. Incidentally, I was told that Bob Dylan purchased a house somewhere near this golf course but no sight or even sound of him today. The detour did have its good points as I saw the golf course, look out for the short par 3 that is played across the Tomintoul road, quite unique in my golfing experience. Also I came across the beautiful Abernethy Old Kirk and its war memorial graveyard, very historic and interesting to spend some time here. 

I considered diverting across a couple of fields but too many cattle in them so no go. About a mile further on I spotted an opportunity and followed a farm track downwards which thankfully led me onto the Way again, very happy to be back on track. There are signs promoting the good work of the local farm in assisting wildlife to flourish, good on you.

Old Railway section

This section is straight forward flat walking along the old railway line, going through farm land but no animal blockages. Through some woods a huge brown and sandy coloured buzzard suddenly and silently takes flight moving away from me. Then the River Spey appears into view with 3 salmon anglers trying their luck or should I say skill.

Buzzard appeared here

This stretch is a bit more interesting with interchanging wood and open views. 
Finally I cross the mighty Spey and take the woodland walk to Grantown.
Overall an easy and interesting walk. Total mileage for the 3 sections was around 17 miles, 6 for the Aviemore - B of G, then 11 for the B of G - Grantown on Spey.

Salmon Angler on the Spey

River Spey

Forth & Clyde Union Canal Ratho - Lochrin Basin

After my hill efforts yesterday I decided on a low level walk today. My walking plans for next year included walking the full length of the Forth & Clyde canal which runs from Bowling near Dumbarton across the central belt to Edinburgh. However, as I was staying close to Ratho I took this opportunity to walk the 1st stage, albeit in reverse, from the walks normal Edinburgh start to Ratho. It is much easier to get transport connections from the city centre rather than Ratho, hence my choice of direction.

Fixed housing and flexible boat housing

I have not been in Ratho for years so was surprised by the new housing as well as the canal boats. A pleasant and popular pub/restaurant located here.

Ratho

You are straight onto the canal path and this stretch for about 3 and a half miles is through pleasant countryside particularly so as the trees were entering their Autumn colours phase. However, it is also a fairly noisy stretch as you are close to the main Glasgow motorway and Edinburgh airport, so just try and block the constant drone out. 

The canal is popular with holiday barges but I thought that the season would be past but I did see 4 on the move today. Friendly waves from 3 of them but one grumpy bearded guy stared straight ahead, probably an English tourist.
Bird spotting included kingfishers, moorhens, buzzards and umpteen small tit/finch flocks.

First boat cruises towards me

Be aware the canal is very popular with cyclists and there were plenty around today and some of them obviously do not like walkers.

The canal crosses over the Edinburgh road bypass and now you enter a more industrial and and somewhat grimmer area including the housing schemes of Wester Hailes.

Wester Hailes housing block

However there was much more people activity on this stretch. More people using the canal path, walkers and locals, some with early morning beer cans in hand. A group were getting some canoe coaching. A bird spotter tells me what he has seen today. Another group of young kids getting kitted out. Rowing boats were many: singles, doubles and even a four man crew. They presumably must up oars if another boat comes the opposite direction as the canal is rather narrow and extremely murky should anyone fall in.

Looking down to Water of Leith and railway

When the canal goes over the Water of Leith the environment changes again, parks and more affluent suburbs along with Boroughmuir rugby ground and sport complex. 

 Another rowing club hut, at least the 3rd, sits on the far bank with this poster of dedication to the Olympian, David Florence (3 Olympic Silver medals), one of its members.
As more people are around I reflect that I have heard more Polish voices today than English speakers, interesting sign of the times.

Then I come to today's walk conclusion. More modern housing built around the canal. Boats moored and this impressive lift bridge.
It is strange to then walk through a passageway to now be at Fountainbridge in the heart of the city of Edinburgh. A 5 minute stroll to Princes Street. Just brilliant and I know where I am going for a pint of Edinburgh brewings award winning Paolozzi before I get the bus home.
A really enjoyable and varied low level walk of 8.1 miles with enough diversity to keep your interest for the full walk.

Not sure what this carving depicts, miners, canal labourers?

Allermuir & Caerketton Pentland Hills

Allermuir Hill from Caerketton

My principal objective today was Allermuir Hill (493m) which also included 3 other tops, a fine up and down walk. I set out from the Harlaw carpark which meant firstly traversing Harbour Hill, Capelaw Hill, then Allermuir and onwards to Caerketton. I returned by the same route. There is a fair old descent and ascent between each hill so a bit of a blowout for heart and lungs.

Arthurs Seat from Caerketton

The BBC weather app showed blue skies and sunshine. As it turned out the outward leg had an autumn squall, very high winds and very cold heavy rain. Luckily it was a SSE wind so it was at my back throughout. 

Capelaw Hill not sure what this represents

There were surprisingly a few other walkers around presumably also looking to take advantage of the good weather!!

From Harlaw across the fields to Harbour Hill

By the time I turned the rain had gone off but the strong wind remained. 
As always great views all around particularly over Edinburgh & the Lothians plus across to Fife, . Never a bad walk to do so get out and enjoy it. 

Allermuir trig looking over the southerly range Scald Law etc

The walk was 8.67 miles but felt longer as there was almost 1700 feet of ascent and took me 3 and a half hours. There is a shorter walk starting from the ski centre.

New Forth Bridges in the distance

West Lothian