Xmas walk 10th December 2023

Traditionally the Christmas walk is relatively straightforward, member’s rucksacks are decorated with festive tinsel and dangly things and everyone looks forward to their walk and to some Christmas food and a non-too-serious quiz at the end.

On this occasion all walkers were picked up by JP Coaches at Rosemount Gold Club and transported to their start points. The larger group (A) to Ballintuim and the smaller Group (B&C) to Bridge of Cally.

The combined B&C parties enjoyed a straightforward walk through the eastern section of Blackcraig Forest and onto Cochrage Muir. Following the track across and emerging behind Middleton Farm they followed the trail to East Gormack, on and over the Knockie and onto Gallowbank via Newton Street. They then took the Ardblair Trail, through Muirton Wood and on to the golf club.

The A party took the path from the Ballintuim Village Hall, across the River Ardle bridge and onto the Cateran Trail. All looked good and despite claggy weather the party only experienced a wee bit of rain at the start of the walk. There were active forestry operations within the northern section of Blackcraig Forest so the walkers followed the signposted diversion route, unfortunately it ran straight into an area of devastation – large trees had been felled and were strewn about randomly on the hillside.

After much cursing and effort, the group emerged onto the track that would lead them out of the plantation and onto Cochrage Muir. Their route then followed that of the B&C party. The decorated rucksacks had been battered by the rough treatment but several would still be entered for the traditional judging event at the golf club.

The joint winners were Anne Crombie and Jean Ruffhead. Their prizes were presented as all the walkers were enjoying soup and mince pies at the golf club. Both the staff and BDHC members were in Christmas mode, Kerry Lindsay had prepared a festive focussed quiz and the afternoon was enjoyed by everyone present. The BDHC Committee and members would like to record their thanks and appreciation for the quality of the refreshments and staff’s excellent service.

The club’s new website is now live (www.bdhc.org), it has many new features, is easier to navigate and provides much more information for both members and those that have an interest in joining.

This new website has been created by Steve Johnson who has been working closely with three committee members in the run up to its launch. Thank you, Steve.