Strathtay Ramblers: Autumn
On Sunday 7 October walkers set out from Aberfeldy at 8.00am, heading by car for Tarbet on the shores of Loch Lomond. On reaching Loch Tay the sun had begun to break through the rising mist and, passing the falls of Dochart, it was clear that we were to enjoy an ideal Autumn day - cool, clear and sunny.
At Tarbet we had time for coffee and bacon rolls, snarfed with a clear conscience in view of the calorie-shedding day ahead, before boarding a vessel chartered for the group and a 45 minute cruise across the dark calm, waters of Loch Lomond. Behind us, starkly outlined in the morning’s crystal air rose the Cobbler and the group decided, on the spot, that it was to be on the menu for next year. |
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We disembarked at Rowardennan on the east bank and commenced our 7 mile walk to Inversnaid where we had arranged for our boat to pick us up. The route is part of the West Highland way and, appropriately, there is a high road and a low road.
We set off along the high road through dappled shade with the sun glancing on the loch below and varied our route to take in stretches of the rougher low road close to the bonnie banks and bosky beaches - each one an idyllic picnic spot. This was the territory of the outlaw Rob Roy and on this section of the route is the cave where he imprisoned the Factor of the Duke of Montrose in an audacious attempt to extort a ransom.
We took about three hours to walk from Rowardennan to Inversnaid but one could easily spend an entire day strolling along this scenic and tranquil path. At Inversnaid we had our lunch on the grass with beer from the hotel and then relaxed on the return cruise past Honeymoon Island where, according to our skipper, newly weds would be marooned alone for three days. It was believed that if they were still talking after three days the marriage would last!
This ramble through autumnal woodland, past tumbling waterfalls, always looking across the gleaming loch to the towering hills, was the perfect outing for a day of perfect weather
Bill Bruce
Short Walks for Amblers
For everyone who likes to walk but does not want to walk alone, the Rambers group is proposing to conduct six, short weekly walks beginning on Wednesday 7 November.
These will start in the afternoon from the old Church Car Park on the Crieff Road and extend around Aberfeldy for about 2 – 3 miles, at an easy pace, so that folk walk at their own pace. The intention is to end the walk at a local tearoom to permit a relaxed chat.
Anyone interested should call George Robertson on 01887 840324
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