On Sunday 14th May 27 of us left Aberdeen for a 12 mile walk across the Lomond Hills of Fife. After a comfort stop at Dundee on the way to the start of the walk, we disembarked at Easter Balgedie near the shores of Loch Leven. Most of us started the walk here but a few decided to stay on the bus to Freuchie where they did their own walks. The rest of us split into 2 groups – one to go up Bishops Hill and the other to go around the hill before ascending West Lomond. For those of us who went up Bishops Hill we enjoyed a clear view over Loch Leven and the surrounding hills though it was very windy at the top. We also saw a number of gliders, the pilots taking advantage of the wind from the side of the hill and thermals thanks to the warm sunny day we were enjoying. After reaching the top of Bishops Hill we walked along the ridge until we reached the foot of West Lomond where we met the rest of the club. They had walked through Glen Vale, a narrow glen with caves. Another ascent to the top of West Lomond and we enjoyed even more spectacular views over the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh in the south and over to the Highlands. We then walked along to East Lomond where we again enjoyed wonderful views, this time of the village of Falkland and its historic palace, then down to the village of Freuchie where the bus parked. By this time we were enjoying the warm sunny weather. We quenched our thirst (and hunger) at the Lomond Hills Hotel before leaving for home.
Alastair