Christmas Walk – Sunday 9th December 2018

Twenty-five members and guests left the Wellmeadow car park at 9.0am for their annual Christmas outing. The weather was good and everyone in high spirits. The route was to follow the entire length of the River Ericht Trail.

Many of the walkers had decorated their rucksacks to reflect the season, another tradition of the club, judging was to take place during the walk by the Club President, Ian Cameron.

Underfoot the going was ideal and it was soon realised that the normal 8 mile route would be completed too early to coincide with the festive snack scheduled for 2.0pm. The decision to extend the walk was quickly taken and unanimous. The group would continue on the eastern bank of the Ericht until meeting its confluence with the River Isla. For anyone unfamiliar with this peaceful section of both rivers it’s well worth the extra few hundred yards to visit it.

The rucksack decoration competitors had their efforts judged during the mid-walk stop for refreshments, this year Rob Robertson took the honours, just as in a number of past years his very individual festive scheme won the day.

The party returned to the town by crossing Kitty Swanson’sBridge and following the path along the western side of the river to Welton Farm and then along the road to the Wellmeadow. Wildlife sightings were rare but evidence of beaver activity was observed in several places.

Unusually for the club, the total height gain for the day was not a lot more than 30 mtrs!

The party ended its day at the Dome Restaurant where Kevin and staff had laid on a very welcome bowl of soup plus roll plus tea/coffee and all followed by a giant mince pie.

All in all, another great walk and a fitting way to roundoff the year’s 40th Anniversary celebrations.

Our next walk is to Glenisla/Glenshee on Sunday6th January, see the club’s website for more details and to book a place on the coach.