Exciting and varied walks programme announced for 2017
GUIDED walks are one of the great advantages enjoyed by ScotWays members, and this year’s exciting programme may be our best yet, with a superb range of routes for all abilities. For 2017 we have expanded our routes to feature more challenging walks, including a weekend in the Cairngorms. Members benefit from the experience of guides on all these routes, ensuring you get the best from every walk. Why not join ScotWays and come along?
We begin in the west of Scotland on Wednesday 5th April. with an ascent of Knock Hill near Largs, promising spectacular views across the Firth of Clyde to the Cumbraes and Bute, followed later in the month by an ascent of Tinto near Biggar. Tinto, a small but prominent hill in an isolated position, was historically used as a signal station. Its outstanding location gives superb views from Arran and Kintyre in the west to the Grampians further north.
The beautifully remote but easily accessible Lammermuir Hills will be visited in May, with a breathtaking circular walk starting at Whiteadder Reservoir. The vast rolling moorland here is riven with dramatic river courses and hidden valleys, and it is easy to see why this area was so popular with our prehistoric ancestors – the remains of their ancient stone buildings can still be seen dotted across the landscape.
Our most challenging routes this year, in the Cairngorms, take place over a weekend in June, with dramatic ascents and a ridge walk from Glenmore Lodge amongst some of Scotland’s most outstanding scenery. The second of these two days is easier, for those who prefer to enjoy their walk at a gentler pace.
ScotWays has stretched the term “weekend” for our July outing, which includes a Friday. The rich and varied landscapes around the Angus glens are our destination, and begin with a celebration. It is 130 years since The Scottish Rights of Way and Access Society successfully challenged a landowner and proved the existence of a right of way in Glen Doll, and the “weekend” marks this occasion with a ten mile circular walk taking in Jock’s Road, as well as visit to Loch Brandy.
By way of contrast, our varied programme this year also includes a walk near the Fife coast. This circular route from Newburgh, in August, with an easy 200m ascent, offers vistas across the Tay and Earn valley.
We close our programme in September, with two walks, the first of these from Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park at Balloch. This route follows the charming River Leven then turns uphill to head past Carman Reservoir to Overton and Bromley Muirs. Dog lovers are welcome to join the final walk on Saturday 23rd September, a circular route taking in Crieff and Comrie. This is the longest walk of the year, at 15 miles, and there is an option for participants to go half the distance if feet (or paws) get tired.
Many ScotWays members have already signed up for this attractive and varied programme – four walks are already fully booked and operating a waiting list. Please see the links to individual walks to find out more:
Knock Hill, near Largs – Weds 5th April
Tinto, near Biggar – Thurs 27th April
Lammermuir Hills Walk – Thurs 11th May
Cairngorms Walk 1 – Sat 17th June
Cairngorms Walk 2 – Sat 18th June
Angus Glen Walk 1 – Fri 14th July
Angus Glen Walk 2 – Sat 15th July
Newburgh, Fife – Sat 19th August
Stravaig over Overton Muir – Sat 16th September
Crieff Walk – Sat 23rd September
Members already booked who need to drop out nearer the time are kindly asked to let the ScotWays office know as soon as possible, so we can free up places for others. Those wishing to join a waiting list are encouraged get in touch, in the event places become available.
With such an exciting programme ahead for 2017, we look forward to hearing from you.