New boots on Meikle Bin

[rob munbett]

New boots! We all know what it's like: we clump about on the carpets in the house for a week or so and all seems well - then, first time out on the hills, rubs and blisters. Not this time, though. My new Meindl Burmas were perfect straight out of the box. I was fortunate enough to find a shooting supplies shop on a farm near Dalry that still had old stock of these boots and they're a far better fit for me than the new Bhutans. Anyway, enough of this advert for Meindl boots. I first had a walk on this hill many years ago - I think I had just finished a year of chemo and did this walk to ease myself back . On this occasion, it was to ease myself back after a bad calf muscle tear. Indeed, I'm still getting physio but not being entirely honest with the therapist! I parked up in the ever-busy parking area at Todholes and set off through the forest on the forest road. The weather was supposed to have been bright and sunny but in the gloom of the forest, it was pretty chilly. After a while, the hill came briefly into view before another long stretch of forest road.

Meikle Bin from the forest track

Exiting the trees, there was a better view of the hill, with some nice patches of snow near the summit. I came to the start of the path up the hill and was surprised/ pleased to see a lovely picnic bench. It seemed wrong not to use it for a few minutes to enjoy a cup of tea and the view over the Fintry Hills.

Fintry Hill from Meikle Bin

The path up to the summit became very muddy in places and, at time, the steepness reminded me that my calf muscle was not quite mended.

Looking up to the summit

Soon though, I reached the summit trig and enjoyed the views.

Looking down on the Carron Valley Reservoir

The summit trig

On the way out, I just had to stop at the picnic bench for another hot drink and sandwich before heading back through the woods to the car - with not a blister in sight!

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[iangpark]

Interesting, I got the Borneos a couple of months ago and have had blisters on top of blisters with them so far (been on 2 big walks and a few small ones with them). I'm actually tempted at the moment to buy some sandpaper to harden my feet up faster. At least yours fit!