by vonbon » Tue May 20, 2014 7:15 pm
Sub 2000' hills included on this walk: Meikle Bin
Date walked: 18/05/2014
Time taken: 3 hours
Distance: 10 km
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This was a 'let's climb a hill on a whim' and with zero budget (except car fuel). With respect to the zero budget, I nearly parked in the Forestry Commission main car park that charges £3 - not a Kings ransom but nonetheless £3 I didn't have, so make sure you head to the other FC car park further along and free of charge (Todholes).
As a lone female walker with 2 very unintimidating dogs, I was glad to see the car park quite busy and other walkers coming and going. If you are therefore looking for solitude, then this is probably not for you.
The walk consists of mainly uphill forest roads and each junction is clearly marked so it is impossible to take a wrong turn. There are plenty of gaps in the forest and enough elevation to get some lovely views. If you detest all things man-made on walks then again this isn't for you as there are windmills a plenty, the reservoir, planes going overhead and views of distant suburbia. When out the forest track, the hill itself is a steep wee climb but nothing too taxing. It remained quite marshy underfoot despite days of dry weather so be prepared possibly to get sodden boots and slip and slide during wetter weather.
This was great for the dogs as they were off their leads as soon as we left the car park - no sheep as far as I could see. This hill could be completed much quicker but I just amble along and nosey around.
I was surprised when I woke up the next day and had sore thigh/bum muscles as I've climbed higher and longer and didn't have aches and pains - age eh?
