Lundie Craig Walk

[macq23]

I’ve been meaning to do the Lundie Craigs circuit in the Sidlaws for a while….just been waiting for the weather to be decent and when I had free time!

I had a day off work Tuesday 1st July with Fraser, my 6 year old son who is on his first summer holiday off school. We had the afternoon free and it was sunny, what a perfect opportunity to take him out in on the hill. So as I set my plan in motion to go out for walk with Fraser, the walking party grew in size. Fraser’s pal Matthew and my 11 year old nephew Thomas were now joining us. As I always say…the more the merrier!

We parked at the car park as suggested by the walkhighlands route, and carefully crossed the busy road. Once we were over, the boys were allowed to let loose!

IMG_0630SIG by ianmacqueen, on Flickr

IMG_0632SIG by ianmacqueen, on Flickr

We followed the track for Crags of Lundie around the Farm buildings. When the track curves right, it gave us some fantastic views of Perthshire country.
IMG_0637SIG by ianmacqueen, on Flickr

IMG_0638SIG by ianmacqueen, on Flickr

The boys however were more interested in viewing the cows through their binoculars. From there onwards, this nice gentle walk became a beasties hunt! Every time the boys spotted a butterfly or a bee or a centipede or a dragonfly or a field mouse we all had to STOP and LOOK!!
IMG_0633SIG by ianmacqueen, on Flickr

IMG_0649SIG by ianmacqueen, on Flickr

30 minutes into the walk, and requests for a snackbreak were being demanded by the young uns!! It was a fairly warm day, so I was happy to oblige. I was also advised that at this point, 156 butterflies had been counted so far…..
IMG_0651SIG by ianmacqueen, on Flickr

IMG_0653SIG by ianmacqueen, on Flickr

So after a hour & a half, the mast transmitter was in sight, the boys beginning to wilt a bit, they spurred on the last push uphill by having an one direction sing song…boy was my ears hurting!!!
IMG_0664SIG by ianmacqueen, on Flickr

We finally reached the trig point of Lundie Craig, and what great views to behold. It was fantastic to see Craigowl Hill, Dundee, the Tay estuary, Perthshire from an unique standpoint. Some obligatory photos done, then it was stuck into some snacks. Couldn’t ask for a nicer day and spot to have a rest & snack.
IMG_0675SIG by ianmacqueen, on Flickr

IMG_0676SIG by ianmacqueen, on Flickr

IMG_0689SIG by ianmacqueen, on Flickr

IMG_0692SIG by ianmacqueen, on Flickr

While we were resting, I told the boys of my experiences of coming across a few adders in the past….which in hindsight might’ve not been a good idea. As we continued around the circuit, the boys SWEAR…on their heart SWEAR they could hear adders everywhere. Funnily enough, I didn’t see one!!

Fraser, armed with the map, decided he will lead the expedition team on the way down, towards Long Loch then turning right, through the jaggy thistles. Fraser was loving it, being in charge. He kept looking at his map making sure we were going in the right direction, and constantly warning us to look out for the jaggies. I was definitely a proud dad.
IMG_0697SIG by ianmacqueen, on Flickr

Walking along the flats, along side the steep slopes from Lundie Craig was pretty awesome. I can only imagine it looking even bigger to a young child. It kinda reminded me of a scene from Indiana Jones for some reason. It was very enjoyable to walk along.
IMG_0699SIG by ianmacqueen, on Flickr

IMG_0700SIG by ianmacqueen, on Flickr

IMG_0706SIG by ianmacqueen, on Flickr

IMG_0707SIG by ianmacqueen, on Flickr

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Before we knew it, we passed the loch and was soon back at the car with a quick selfie.
IMG_0721 by ianmacqueen, on Flickr

I can honestly say that I very much enjoyed this walk. The beasties hunting, the singsong, all the silly things was a nice change for me. The kids definitely enjoyed the walk, they did 5 miles in 3 hours and all still had a smile on their faces at the end. I am very much looking forward to the next walk with them.

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[The Rodmiester]

Great to see the young uns enjoying the outdoors especially on a day like you had I bet they learned a lot as well. Some great views over Perthshire, Dundee and Angus from the summit, including Kinpurnie Hill at Newtyle. Pity you didn't go to the Tower a wee bit further on see my report, I think they would have liked that. As you say bring on the next great adventure. Excellent!

[macq23]

Great to see the young uns enjoying the outdoors especially on a day like you had I bet they learned a lot as well. Some great views over Perthshire, Dundee and Angus from the summit, including Kinpurnie Hill at Newtyle. Pity you didn't go to the Tower a wee bit further on see my report, I think they would have liked that. As you say bring on the next great adventure. Excellent!

Thanks Rodmiester!
I did considered the Tower...but with this being the furthest the kids have walked, I didn't want to push it too much. The Tower will be for another day!