by John Gordon » Tue Mar 20, 2012 9:37 pm
Date walked: 18/03/2012
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Sunday morning was beautiful and the urge to get out there was very tempting indeed and I couldn't wait.
Starting off at the Glen Sherup car park at around 11am I walked gingerly (I have a hip problem) up the forest road towards the dam. The fly fishermen were out in abundance on the dam as the season has just opened. Walking up through the forest was very interesting as there was many unsuspecting deer feeding in the open areas where trees had been cleared out. There was also many Buzzards circling above and calling to their mates. While in the sunshine it was like a Summer's day but when clearing the forest it became quite chilly. I stopped at the Deer gate after clearing the forest for a banana and a drink and surveyed the route ahead. My hip was now easing off and I began the climb to the summit of Innerdownie Hill taking it very easy. I usually give myself a target ahead of roughly 50 steps then stop for a breather. Being 66 years of age is a bit of a handicap but I love hill walking so I will not give up. My lovely wife Margaret passed away 7 years ago who was a keen walker until she contracted Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2004. It was a great blow to her but she loved the outdoors as we also did a lot of cycling.
Pushing on towards the first summit and arriving at roughly 12.30pm the heat from the sun was now causing me to sweat but when I arrived at the summit it was very chilly indeed. Taking a few photos I then pushed on down to Bentie Knowe at 578 meters over swampy paths and made my way through the next Deer gate and walked up the side of the old wall. The path here was quite dry as it is on a slope and drained quite well so it made the going easier.
After crossing the fence at the junction of the two walls I then made my way along towards Tarmangie Hill. The rise to the summit was a little breath taking for me but again I took it easy and eventually arrived to an amazing gust of wind.
After taking a few more photos I then sought out a comfy place for lunch and stayed there for 45 minutes taking in the beautiful view and satisfying my hunger!!!
On leaving the summit it became very chilly with the wind coming in nasty bursts but eventually it subsided as I dropped down to the west end of Glen Sherup.
The walk back the track was very pleasant as I was sheltered from the wind because of the Scald hill on my left.
I also met Tom Hunter who is an old friend who does a lot of bird watching in this area and we had a very interesting talk on the birds of prey in the glens. I then made my way down past the fishery and then back down to the car park.
It was a great walk and I really enjoyed the day.
- Attachments
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- Looking down towards the Upper Frandy Resevoir from Innerdownie Hill
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- Looking back towards the Glen Sherup fishery from the summit.
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- Tarmangie Hill Summit