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- Our handsome boy
.
Before I continue with the walk report I would like if l may share a few short words about Glen. He was a very loving black labrador who is very sadly no longer with us. We had to make the heartbreaking, gut wrenching decision to have him put to sleep on July 1st. As all dog owners/lovers know it's just the worst thing we have to do.
Glen had a fantastic life. He had turned 14years in March so did have a good innings. Like many dog owners on here e.g. Dogplodder and Graham D, he had many trips into the countryside. He climbed a few hills however his main love in life was water (and ofcouse eating...we know what labradors are like
). He was a true gentleman and the lady doggies loved him. He had lost his left eye a few years ago. Unfortunately Shane, the other labrador in the household, wagged his tail so hard that it injured Glen in the eye. He had a melting eye ulcer that never healed. The vet tried everything to save it including a human contact lens but to no avail. This didn't hinder him and he carried on as normal. In the few weeks leading up to that fateful day, the other health issues he had, started to cause him more serious problems. We didn't want to see him suffer and l think if we had held on to him for any longer this is what would have happened. He left us that day a very peaceful, content dog full of happy memories in his life. He has certainly left a very large hole in our lives but also full of these memories that we will treasure.
He did venture up The Ochils on several occasions over the years so within this report I will add a few photos of Glen and Shane from previous walks.
- The start of the walk
- A stream crossing before the walk uphill
This was one of Glen's favourite hotspots
- Now for some fun!!
I was equipped with my new camera and lens. I had previously been using a DSLR but it was rather bulky to carry over and above a rucksack so managed to sell it and the lens and got myself a Fuji mirrorless camera. There is so much to learn that it will take quite some time to master it, however l will enjoy doing this.
Some pretty flowers as l started to climb.
- Wild pansies
- And bluebells
As l gained some height a view to the lower reservoir appeared.
- Through the rowans
- Glen and Shane having fun near this spot
After a short climb the first sight of Ben Shee appeared.
- The little dome of Ben Shee
And the sign to the start of the hill.
- Not far at all
One of my favourite photos of "the boys"
- Posers
At this point l decided to do the walk anti-clockwise. It's pretty easy going and you can get a good stretch of the legs. I did notice since the few weeks earlier l had been up in the area walking, the paths were now rather squelchy with the recent rain.
The first top l was heading for in the centre with Tarmangie on the left.
- Here we go
Looking back to Ben Shee.
- Not a sole to be seen
I could now see the Loch Earn duo with the clouds just above the tops.
- Ben Vorlich and Stuc a' Chroin
And the view north east
- Such luscious green
Two ladies jogged past me. My days of jogging are over and have been for many years. I do wish when l used to jog l had came across here and did it in the beautiful scenery rather on the roads and busy built up areas.
- The joggers and Innerdownie on the right.
- Innerdownie and The Lomond Hills to the right.
I stopped at Scad Hill for a few minutes to have a drink. It was rather warm now but with hardly any breeze the flies and midgies were ofcourse a problem. I continued on and was soon starting the ascent of Tarmangie. Nearing the summit l met a guy from Paisley. We had a good chat and remarked how peaceful it was with hardly any walkers. On the summit l met another two ladies and spoke to them for a short time. Because l was chatting l completely forgot to take any photos from Tarmangie.
One of Glen at the summit.
- "This is the life"
I wasn't ready for lunch yet, my tummy normally lets me know it's time for food, so l enjoyed another good drink and continued to Whitewisp Hill. The summit is just on a flat plateau so apart from stopping to look at the views for a few moments, l continued to Innerdownie.
- Summit of Whitewisp Hill
Looking back while on my way to Innerdownie
- Back to Whitewisp Hill
As I approached the summit of Innerdownie the clouds had appeared and it was a slightly chilly east wind.There was quite a few more walkers starting to appear from the other side.
- Summit of Innerdownie
- Glen at the summit on 1st January 2016
- The view north east
After having a quick bite to eat l started making my way down. As l approached the forest on the left l went over a stile and walked down through the overgrown pine trees till l reached the track. From there l walked down till l eventually reached the sign for the Glen Sherup reservoir. I crossed the reservoir giving the fishermen out in their boats a wave.
- Lovely views while fishing with Tarmangie top left
Once through the gate at the other side of the reservoir l turned right onto the single track road. I walked a short distance till l reached a field on the left. There was a path just at the start of the fenceline. It was a bit of a hike up in the heat and l was starting to wilt in the heat. There was an option to walk up Ben Shee but l decided this time to give it a miss (in other words l was too knackered
).
- Glen on Ben Shee 28th February 2016
I was finally on the last leg of the walk and knowing this started to perk up again.
A couple of photos on the way down.
- The lower Frandy reservoir with Vorlich and Stuc A' Chroin clear behind
- The Lawers range clear now too
I finally reached the stream crossing where it was one mighty jump for mankind (my short legs can cause problems at times). I was the only car that had been parked here all day so a much quieter place to start the walk.
It wasn't easy initially to look at these photos of Glen after he was gone, but now l am so glad l have them and will keep them safe and smile when l look at them. It was a special day for me in The Ochils today and the weather was just perfect.
Glen at his happiest....beside water.
Hopefully l will be fit and ready to tackle a few Munros in the not too distant future