Spectacular falls the reward for poor weather
WE walk on the Tentsmuir paths network down in Fife fairly frequently.
We were there again recently but our approach was a different one this time. Instead of walking from Tayport we started off from Leuchars. It gave a new aspect to the familiar landscape of the Fife coastal route.
Parking opposite the local primary school we set off along Warwick Road in the general direction of the coast. Leuchars is an historical settlement, the village dominated by its ancient kirk which sits on a high point overlooking the houses. It is one of the best examples of Norman ecclesiastical architecture in Scotland.
In a more modern context Leuchars is known for its RAF station; one of the most famous airfields in Britain, where mountain and air-sea rescue services are also based.
My son was stationed there some eight or nine years ago and, on visits down there, it's an area I got to know reasonably well. As we set off we passed his one-time married quarter, apparently now unoccupied.
Heathland
This was a flat circular walk of some eight miles which took us over agricultural pasture, heathland and through woods turning at Kinshaldy.
We lunched at the picnic tables with a pair of pied wagtails for company. They were seeking scraps, their long tails constantly bobbing.
Our route took us close to the airfield's perimeter fencing and our ramble was accompanied by the sights and sounds of pairs of aircraft, Jaguars I think, taking off and landing on their "circuits and bumps" training.
We saw a Nimrod touching down too; presumably from its base at Kinloss. The Nimrod is a much larger reconnaissance aircraft carrying a crew of twelve. It was a Kinloss Nimrod which was lost a year or two ago in Afghanistan you may remember.
On the return leg a group of us passed a farm. Here, by the roadside and in a stall, a vet appeared to be assisting a cow to give birth. On a fine, crisp sunny day this was an outing with different experiences. (OS Landranger Sheet 54).
On our Monday jaunts we rarely encounter conditions where rain is constant. But such was the case last week. We were up in Glenlee on a walk to the Falls of Unich. Craig Maskeldie was shrouded in low cloud.
Crossing the river at the far end of the loch we made our way along the rocky path that takes you to the falls. Here, where we stopped for lunch, the rain was supplemented by drifting spray.
White water
But the falls were a spectacle, swollen well beyond their normal flow. Tons of white water cascading down from the heights is an awesome sight when viewed from close up.
Very little wildlife was in evidence on the day; either lost in the mist or hunkering down I'd guess. We arrived back in Brechin damp but pleased we'd done it; not only fine weather walkers we. (OS Landranger Sheet 44).
Above Brechin on the Rough Moss beside Burghill Wood and walking on my own I was conscious of a disturbance among the trees.
Here were a pair of red squirrels chasing each other through the leaf litter and beech mast. Unaware of my presence I stood and watched them at play for some time; a delightful and encouraging encounter.
Some of us were also at the Charr Bothy; a mountain hut some miles west of the Cairn o'Mount road. It is well used by hillwalkers throughout the year. There is a visitors' book I usually peruse when I'm there.
It is entertaining to read the comments folk make. I quote a cryptic observation chosen at random. It was jotted down by a hillwalker I take to have been a DIY man somewhat stricken in years; "14 May 2007. Finished painting - nice day - The Coffin Dodger." Good on him.
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Weather for Brechin
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
