White Meldon

 

On 27^th July, Biggar Ramblers tackled another hill with magnificent views, this time in the Meldons. Many folk will know this single track road from the A72 over the hills to Eddleston as the diversion when there is an accident on the A703, or as a lovely area for camping, equipped with picnic tables, interpretation boards about the history of the area, and a toilet block (unfortunately closed for some years, due to vandalism).  Starting from one of the picnic areas, the group set off across a small footbridge and over a fence to begin the climb, soon picking up a quod bike track. The ascent is steep, giving ample opportunity to stop to admire the views. The weather was damp but warm, so the gentle breeze at the top at the trig point (427m) was welcome. The 360^o views were good, although somewhat limited by the low cloud. After coffee the group set off on the descent down the northerly shoulder, before bearing slightly north west to cross the site of hut circles. At this point the going is tough, through thick heather. After crossing a lateral quod bike track, the way became slightly easier towards the road. After crossing into the wooded area of Hopehead, the group followed the track behind the trees parallel to the road until reaching an interesting bronze age burial mound, where the interpretation board shows how the circular mound would have looked. The circle is quite extensive and it is possible to see one or two excavated depressions where the bodies were laid, curled up in foetal position. Emerging from the trees, the group had lunch beside a stream, enjoying a fine array of wild flowers, before heading back to the cars. This was a short but interesting walk, suggesting a longer mileage in this area next time we visit.

Carmichael Estate

 

After a drizzly start a group of six from Biggar Ramblers enjoyed a fine day walking the 7½ mile circular route around the Carmichael Estate. We began and finished at the Heritage and Visitor Centre having stopped for coffee and lunch breaks en route. 

The Clan Carmichael is one of Scotland's oldest clans and the Estate has been their patch since the 14th Century having played a prominent role in Scottish, British and European  history.                                                                                                                                             

Cauldstane Slap

 12 Ramblers set out on Wednesday, 19 July to walk to the Cauldstane Slap. The party started off from Baddinsgill passing Baddinsgill Reservoir on their right and headed along the Cross Border Drove Road which was used to move cattle from the Falkirk area into the Borders and England. A wooden bridge was crossed over a small river - Water of Leith whose source is at Colzium Springs. Onwards to the Cauldstane Slap with West Cairn and East Cairn hills on either side. The walkers then went a little further to enjoy views of Harperrig Reservoir and beyond. The walk was just over 6 miles. The weather was very kind with lovely views of the surrounding hills all the way.

Schiehallion and Birks of Aberfeldy

 On Wednesday 12th July, a group of eight Biggar Ramblers tested ourselves by climbing the majestic
Schiehallion, (Fairy Hill of the Caledonians), a “Munro” almost 1100 metres high. We started the
walk from the Braes of Fosse car park about 10 miles north of Aberfeldy. There is a good path which
started off on a gentle incline before becoming steeper as we moved up the hillside. The extra effort
was rewarded with fantastic views over Loch Rannoch, Loch Tummel and up to the Cairngorms. We
then had to walk along a ridge covered in boulders before reaching the rocky summit. After a well-
earned lunch break we descended by the same path before returning to Aberfeldy for a pleasant
social evening and overnight stay. On the Thursday we also enjoyed a lovely walk, “The Birks of
Aberfeldy”, a waterside walk through birch woodlands with many beautiful bridges and waterfalls before driving home, proud and satisfied.

Glen Sherup Walk

 On Sunday 2nd July, a group of Biggar Ramblers set out for Glen Sherup in the Ochil Hills for a 9 mile walk around Loch Sherup and the Sherup Glen.
The walk started (and finished) at the Forestry Commission car park on the Muckhart to Gleneagles road. After a climb above Glensherup Reservoir along a forest track, the walk took a steeper climb through a forest ride, emerging into the open where, despite occasional heavy showers, magnificent views opened up to the south and east, from the Lomond Hills down to the Forth and Grangemouth. There was then a steady climb to Innerdownie, the first of three Donalds on this walk. The walk then continued over Whitewisp Hill and Tarmangie Hill, the other two Donalds. At this point a whole new vista to the northwest opened up with views right across to the Highland edge. The route now crossed the top of the valley and returned down the other side of the glen, passing by Scad Hill, and finally just before Ben Shee turned down to the bottom of the valley, along the side of the reservoir before crossing the dam and arriving back at the car park.
Most of the area covered by this walk is managed by the Woodland Trust, and it was good to see a new native woodland being established in the area around Ben Shee.