free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
OH was away to work today so decided to head away early as well and walk along Loch Muick and across to Dubh Loch. We started the walk at around 8:30am, taking the route to the right where the loch path split to go along the easier route. I did consider going the more scenic way, but with one dog with arthritis I decided against it. We reached the first beach and the dogs were keen to go swimming, but I wasn't falling into that trap again and the swimming toy remained in my bag.
We passed the big house and where the path forked I took the right track to go along to Dubh Loch. The dogs took the left which would have taken them to the beach, but they soon came running when they realised I was going a different way! Following the track I could see the waterfall in the distance.
Reaching the waterfall I looked for a place to cross. I hate using stones to cross water and I couldn't see a good way of getting across that wouldn't result in soggy shoes, so I opted to take off my shoes and socks and get wet feet instead. It was worth it, as while I was sat drying my feet a little wren joined us.
- Wren
Feet dry and shoes back on, we continued on to find the loch, eventually getting a glimpse of it behind a corner. It was raining at this point so I tucked the camera away. The path around the loch was boggy in places, but it was dry enough to get around or cross on stones easily enough and we made it round to the beach on the other side. Much to the dogs disappointment, the water was very shallow around the beaches and I couldn't throw the toy far enough out so they would actually have to swim for it! But it was a nice quiet spot to stop for lunch! The rain had stopped at this point and the sun was back out so the camera could be brought out again
We started heading back towards Loch Muick, this time crossing the waterfall without having to take my shoes off, and soon the loch was in view.
We rejoined the path around the loch and returned the same way, the dogs getting to swim on the way back now I could throw the toy into deep enough water for them to actually swim in!
Very enjoyable walk, and a different walk to go on at Loch Muick. Also think I need to invest in the 12 month car parking pass as I think I'd get my moneys worth from it!