First post covid wander with Heather

[GillC]

First time out in the great outdoors since lockdown, smashing walk in on/off smir with Heather. Initially hatched as a "lets meet up in a layby for a cuppa", to "we could meet at upper Tyndrum Station and shelter under their roof", to "oh heck, lets go for a walk from Dalrigh" Lynne wasn't able to make it so Heather and I met up near the big bridge over the River Fillan and observed a virtual hug as Heather commented it was like coming out of a chrysalis.

River Fillan

Local flora

Thistledofurnoo

We didn't intend any more than a saunter so no maps and no plans for off track, just a wander and a catchup.

Views came and went, as did the smir so we had full waterproofs on, with the odd exception where jackets were off,,,then straight back on again, hoods up,,hoods down,,you get the picture

Just good to be out

As we climbed the winding path, the midgies were in evidence but not too bad, Smidge and Buzz Off at the ready. Stopped at the treeline on a big wooden stile for a spot of lunch, was really just so nice to be out in the open and breathing again.

Lunch with stile!

We were aware of our location and the need to either keep hanging right if we wanted to round back down towards the A85/railway etc, so on reaching a point where the track seemed to keep climbing off to the left,, we decided to double back and follow our inward route.

Approaching the railway, we spotted a footbridge off down in the trees, this seems to replace the dodgy metal rails that were there previously, so went off track down for a look. Lovely structure and a newish path served it on both sides too.

investigating the river

Checking out the footbridge

Squeeeeeeze

nice bridge mate

Followed the new path back to the main track at the railbridge and the wee workmans hut.

An auld burd at an auld scots pine

Back to the carpark and had a cuppa and cake a the wee picnic bench in the carpark.

Enjoying the air

We only saw 3 people with a couple of dogs right at the start, and a man and child on bikes returning to the car park. In the days of lockdown being relaxed, a lot of places are overcrowded, this was a great choice, lovely and peaceful and again, just fab to be back out.

[HalfManHalfTitanium]

Some great photos of a beautiful area (now enhanced by the new bridge).

Sadly on my one visit to that area, we had to walk through it far too quickly. We had come down late off Beinn Dubhchraig and got worried that the chip shop (now the Real Food Cafe) might shut! Total panic.

Must get back there sometime, and take a better look.

tim

[GillC]

Some great photos of a beautiful area (now enhanced by the new bridge).

Sadly on my one visit to that area, we had to walk through it far too quickly. We had come down late off Beinn Dubhchraig and got worried that the chip shop (now the Real Food Cafe) might shut! Total panic.

Must get back there sometime, and take a better look.

tim

Thanks Tim, I totally understand the food panic at the end of a hill day lol,, it was indeed a lovely area to just wander and take in the sights.