Today’s walk started in Alyth where all 27 walkers alighted the bus. Most walkers did the full 16 mile + walk whilst 2 walkers opted for a shorter route through to Blairgowrie with a few delightful diversions along the way. We were unhappy that the planned comfort stop did not materialise in Kirriemuir as the public toilets were closed (at 9:10 a.m.). Come on Angus Council – surely you can do better than this in the middle of the holiday season!
The sun was relentless as we slowly climbed up the hill to get out of Alyth & on the track towards Bridge of Cally. It was a beautiful day with clear views all around. We caught glimpses of Mount Blair to the North East & there were good vistas towards the Ochil hills & some said they even saw the Lomond Hills in the distance. Unfortunately we could also observe the many sets of wind turbines that proliferate the hills around here.
There was evidence of beaver activity (dams & chewed trees) in a little wood with a stream just before reaching Banff House, regrettably no beavers were seen. We did see & hear 2 of our walkers cheering & waving gleefully from the back of a moving trailer as we toiled slowly up a minor tarred road. The guilty parties know who they are!
Just over half way through the walk a few walkers could not resist stopping at the Bridge of Cally Hotel for some cool, refreshing soft drinks – a much welcomed watering hole & also with toilets!
It was with great reluctance that we had to leave the hotel (some of us could have been easily persuaded to request Jules, our driver, to bring the bus up to Bridge of Cally & pick us up). However we were made of sterner stuff & resisted temptation & we completed the remaining 6 or so miles into Blairgowrie.
There was a bit of a climb to gain the high ground above Bridge of Cally & the sun kept beating down on us so a few stops were required along the way to replace lost fluids & apply some more sun cream.
Unlike the previous Caternan trail walk we did not come across any cows (or bulls) in the same field as ourselves. Any such beasts were observed safely from outside fenced fields!
Everyone safely completed their walks ahead of scheduled time despite being a little frazzled by the intense heat & humidity of the day. However we all thoroughly enjoyed a welcome refreshment (or two) in the various local hostelries in Blairgowrie & the bus left half an hour earlier than planned & our driver Jules got us safely back in Aberdeen before 8:00 p.m.
Gilbert