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I was quite nervous about this walk as it was my first solo. I’m still very new to all this walking malarkey (I usually run for exercise) and the thought of traipsing the hills on my tod was daunting. I mean, who knows what weird peeps you might come across when you’re a female on your lonesome in the middle of nowhere?
Tried to get my son to come along; used all the usual bribes and threats but to no avail. He had his X-box and no amount of bribery was gonna tear him away from his beloved zombie massacre. So I grabbed the dog instead.
Took about an hour to reach Invermark and there were loads of others gathering for their walk. I could tell they were highly relieved when they realised that me and Mez (dog face) were not part of their group as Mez was yapping wildly out of the back window, at the anticipation of a walk. Donned my gear then pretended to look experienced whilst looking at the map, ignoring the fact Mez was still yapping and leaping about the car from seat to seat like some sort of demented rabid hound of the Baskervilles!!
So, with Mez on her extendable lead, and me carrying a ruck sack that felt like all but the kitchen sink was in it, we got on our way and headed off to Mount Keen. The weather was warm, dry and clear and with no one in sight. I let Mez off to explore whilst I took in the scenery thinking how brave I was.
The road was rocky and there were some watery bits to cross over to which I just had to grit my teeth and leap-frog across. So glad no humans were around to hear me as I gave myself a ‘woo-hoo’ every time I got across without drenching myself. A couple of guys passed as they were heading up on their bikes. They looked tired as they scrambled along trying not to hit the boulders in the way. I was just about to say to one of them “you must have balls of steel to ride up here” when I happened to look at the 2nd guy and saw the grimacing, pained expression on his face. (Keep your mouth shut Jac, I thought).
It was a long slog up to the summit and I was sweating buckets by the time I got there. Mez wasn’t impressed though. She decided that chasing birds around the cairn, then coming back to me like a slinky whilst chomping something that resembled a rabbit’s leg, was rather more her cup of tea.
Still, I was in awe of the views from Keen. I could see for miles and miles and it was a while before I realised that I’d better put some clothes on before I freeze to death. By clothes, I mean my coat, gloves and woolly hat. I sat for about 15 minutes staring out at yonder as I shared my ham butties with Mez. We were completely alone with the rocks and the wind. I knew others were on their way as we had passed them on the way up. But for a short time, it was just me and my dog. I really wanted a picky of myself at the trig but Mez still hasn’t got the hang of the camera (claws must be too long or something).
After breathing in the views, I realised I had gotten quite cold so, after tearing myself from the quiet, we started to head back down. Although the road back felt like it was twice as long, I was rewarded with even more beautiful views down along the valley.
I stopped about half way to dig out my extra fluffy socks as my feet were sore. This gave Mez the idea that to run off with the socks was a great game. She eventually dropped them in the river when she went for a swim so god knows where they’ve ended up now. It took about 2.5 hours to get back to the car and as it had now gotten so hot I thought it might be wise to take off the woolly hat. (Wondered why I had gotten a few strange looks from the odd passer-by!!). The legs groaned at having to carry on working for the hour’s drive back home but Mez, very selfishly, slept the whole way.
I loved Mount Keen. I found the path not be the most easiest to walk along though, with its rocky bits and how it has scarred the side of the mountain but no one can take away the gorgeous views that you get all along your travels and at the top. It will be a great memory for me to have and knowing that I can do such a walk alone, or with Mez by my side (when she isn’t galloping around chasing birds and chomping on ‘things’) is a real confidence booster.
I am aching today as I ain’t exactly hill-fit yet. But the yapper was ready for more adventures this morning when I dragged my poor carcass out of my pit. I was very lucky to have the weather in my favour and it made the whole 5 hour walk so much more pleasurable.
The pictures don’t do justice but I hope you like them as much as I enjoyed taking them.
Happy hills x
