Burn o' Vat and the Castle Trail

Burn o' Vat and Loch Kinord
Parking	Burn o' Vat has a modest car park which seems to be free.
Distance	Variable depending on which route you take but only a few hundred metres from the car park to Burn o' Vat itself and about 3 miles around Loch Kinord
Height / Ascent	<100m to Burn o' Vat and around Loch Kinord but other routes may take you up some steeper inclines
Bogginess	1 / 5
Strenuosity	1 / 5
Other Info	Good paths and signposting throughout

Introduction

It's still the middle of winter but the weather has still been pretty mild and rainy. There has been snow on higher ground but little where we are. So we had to decide where to go. Try getting up a higher hill and maybe getting stuck in snow, or trying something on lower ground. We plumped for the latter as we really didn't fancy a frustrating day of skidding around on snow and getting hardly any pictures. Mike earmarked this site called Burn o' Vat in Aberdeenshire. Technically it is classed as a 'pothole' which I thought were the things you knacker your suspension on in the road but I guess it includes bigger 'holes'. It certainly looked interesting so we decided to head north and see what it was about.

Getting There and Parking Up

We decided to get up there heading north through Glen Shee. I was a bit apprehensive about taking this route as it was belting rain when we set out and I was worried it might be pelting down snow in Glen Shee. Turned out there was hardly any snow up Glen Shee and all the roads were totally clear. Bit of a bugger for the ski industry up there but handy for us getting through to Aberdeenshire. Anyway, Burn o' Vat should be easy to locate. Get yourself on the A93 Ballater to Aboyne road and turn north up the B9119. There is a car park there for a modest number of cars and it appears to be free, and a visitor centre. Well, it should be easy to get to. We found ourselves speeding merrily towards Huntly before we realised we were on the wrong road and had to turn back. Maybe it was something in the water but we found that our map reading skills (or lack of) were especially bad this day and wrong turns were going to be commonplace....again!

Getting inside the Crack

Once parked up we waited 5 minutes for the pelting rain to stop and then headed off looking for Burn o' Vat. Near the visitor centre was a sign saying getting inside Burn o' Vat could be problematic during times of heavy rainfall. We had driven through intermittent rain storms on the way there and get hit with a notice like that. So with fingers crossed that the Vat was actually accessible we headed off in search of it.

There are signposts all around which utilise the standard vague symbolism which is commonplace around walks like this. There is a symbol of a rock with a crack in it which looks like the one we should follow so we head off down that path.

Heading along the path to the 'challenging' crossroads

As we head along the path we come to a crossroads with a signpost. One way has written 'Burn o' Vat Spur Path', the other has the cracked rock symbol. We assume the spur path is just an alternative route to the Vat so we decide to keep following the official looking symbols. So we head right across the bridge and up a small hill to reach a nice viewing platform. Well, the views were actually pretty poor because they were quite obscured by trees, but the platrform and railings were well constructed at least.

The viewing platform. You can kinda see some water and hills over the tops of the trees.

After taking in the view and admiring the workmanship on the viewing platform we headed further along the path. The area is quite heavily wooded so you can't see much beyond the path. However, as we walked on we noticed some stuff through the trees. What was it? It was the bloody car park! We had done a nice circuit back to the car and no sign of the Vat. Feeling like a couple of tubes for taking another wrong turning we decided to head back along this path to the crossroads and follow the mysterious 'Spur Path'

Once back at the crossroads we took the other turning and no sooner were we on this other path and we were faced with the entrance to the Vat. The towering rock formations stood in front of us with a narrow crack through them and a stream pouring out of it. Although the water coming from the entrance to the Vat was rushing out, it was quite shallow so getting through it across the stepping stones didn't seem too treacherous.

The entrance into the vat through the crack above. There are stepping stones but the water is shallow anyway.

Once we got a few cliched long exposure shots of the water running from the entrance we hopped across the stepping stones and into the VAT!

Burn o' Vat a.k.a The Kids Playground

Once inside the vat we were quite impressed. The towering, looming rock faces all around and a picturesque waterfall at the back. Good Stuff! So it was out with the tripods to get snapping some of those tasty long exposure shots. However, no sooner had we started shooting but we hear the noise of screaming kids behind us. Enter two adults and two kids running around wild and screaming their heads off because they like the echo. We decided to leave them to it and explore somewhere else in the area before coming back. By this time the adults had encouraged the kids to go clambering up the slippy rocks to within touching distance of the waterfall. Can you not enjoy the scene here without trying to beak your neck on the rocks?

Once of the few photos I got whilst it was quiet

The Road to Ruin around Loch Kinord

Once away from the Vat we decided to try some of the other routs in the area. From the car park there are signposted routes around Loch Kinord and along what appeared to be some kind of pictish trail so we headed off along the pictish path. The path took us through an eerie birchwood forest, or it at least it might appear errie at night.

The path through the birchwood

A small, marshy pond in the birchwood forest

So we kept following the path through the birchwood hoping that something interesting and perhaps pictish might some into sight. Eventually we turned the corner and were greeted by masses of stone ruins. Don't have a clue what they were or when they date back to but it certainly was a lot more interesting than the forest. I'm sure the visitor centre could provide a better insight.

Some of the stone structures along the trail

The path then took you on to an old stone circle which was once a pictish round house. After that the path headed down to the banks of Loch Kinord. Although the walk along the Loch was pleasant enough there wasn't really any mind-blowing views or amazing photo opportunities.

The banks of Loch Kinord

After a stroll along the banks of the Loch, the path turned back inland and took us to the site of an ancient carved stone with a celtic cross before taking us onto a nice sit down bench situated under a solitary tree. After that it wound back to the car park so we decided to have another go at photographing the Vat.

The cross carved into the ancient stone

A sit down under the tree. I'm sure it looks verdant and leafy in the summer

VAT Return

After the pleasant walk around the Loch we decided to try the Vat again. On returning to the car park, the screaming kids were getting ready to head home thankfully so, fingers crossed, the Vat might be empty. Sure enough, we headed back into the Vat and we were the only ones there, so once again it was out with the tripods to get snapping. Once we got a few shots we decided to get a selfie of us on the rocks. So we set up the camera, popped on the timer and sat posing on the rocks. No sooner had we sat down than this couple comes strolling in. Im sure they must have enjoyed seeing our self-indulgent photo shoot. Anyway, the girl looked like she was setting up to take a fair few photos and the guy went bounding up the rocks next to the waterfall obviously trying to show off to the girl (good luck), so we decided to head off again and leave them to it.

Us looking well shifty

So, once back at the car we concluded that we had had our fill of Burn o' Vat and Loch Kinnord. We decided to head further afield and see what else the area had to offer. This part of Scotland seems to be littered with historic sites so we thought we would hit up a few old castles before the sun went down.

Kildrummy Castle
Parking	A car park which was shut when we got there so we had to dump the car at the roadside. Check Historic Scotland's website for opening times
Distance	<1 mile from the car park to the site
Height / Ascent	Flat ground all the way
Bogginess	1 / 5
Strenuosity	1 / 5
Other Info	Good paths throughout

Getting There and Parking Up

The site is located off the A97 running between Glenkindie and Mossat and is well signposted and easily visible from the roadside. There is a car park but it was closed when we got there. Not sure when it opens or if it charges but this info could be found through Historic Scotland. We left the car by the roadside and entered the site through a small gate next to the car park which seems to be set up for walkers.

The Medieval Marvel

Once we dumped the car near the entrance to the site we headed on in not really sure what to expect. To say we were pleased with what we found would be an understatement. Although very ruinous, there is still substantial amounts of the building remaining alluding to it's considerable size. The site also has plenty of information boards detailing the castle's history and signposting the various parts of the building. Beyond the ruins is the castle gardens. They look mighty impressive but were gated off. I assume they are accessible when the place is officially open.

The entrance to he castle ruins

What was once the toilet in the prison area

The sprawling ruins of the castle

So after getting our fill of this fascinating site we decided to find another castle and see if it could match the quality of this.

Craigievar Castle
Parking	A large car park which seems to be open all year round
Distance	<1 mile from the car park to the site
Height / Ascent	Flat ground all the way
Bogginess	1 / 5
Strenuosity	1 / 5
Other Info	Good paths throughout

Getting There and Parking Up

The site is located off the A980 running between Lumphanan and Bridgeton and the entrance is well signposted. There is a large car park that seems to be open 24/7. According to the information board there is a charge for entry of an unbelievable £12.50 for adults (it is the National Trust after all). Not sure if that is for entry to the whole site or just inside the castle itself. Anyway, it was all closed up so we were able to walk around the outside of the castle for nothing.

The Fairytale Castle

We parked the car and headed towards the castle. It sits practically adjacent to the car park so we didn't have far to walk. We were actually a bit surprised by what we saw. A very well maintained pink castle. How delightful! Traditionally, most rendered buildings would have been coloured, usually subtle pastel shades such as this. This is something that has been lost over the years but more and more restoration works are putting this traditional coloured render on the buildings rather than the usual white we have come to expect in modern times. Anyway, history lesson over! Credit to the National Trust for doing an excellent job of restoring and maintaining the building which I assume is why it carries such a high entrance fee. Supposedly this castle was the inspiration for Disney's castle logo. They don't seem visually too similar but Craigievar Castle certainly has that fairytale aura to it.

So we had a quick wander around and took some snaps and decided in the fading light that was enough for today and headed home.

The enchanting? castle

One of the handle details on the door to the garden. Looks a bit like........

Heading Home - Reflection

It was a good day out. Certainly plenty to see and photograph at all three of the places we went. Although this part of Scotland doesn't have much awe-inspiring natural scenery it is compensated by the wealth of historic sites which seem well preserved and maintained. It would certainly be worth coming back up here an exploring even more of these sites.

Worth a visit?

If you are in the area it is definitely worth checking all of the places out. There is plenty to see for people of all ages at each of the sites. It may be worth visiting the castles when they are open to the public if you want full access to everything they have on offer.

Loch Katrine and Loch Awe - On top of Primrose Hill then over to Kilchurn Castle

Primrose Hill - Loch Katrine
Parking	Loch Katrine has a large car park but it charges a fair amount of coin for the privilege. And, they enforce the charges all year round, not just in the peak season.
Distance	7 miles supposedly
Height / Ascent	Approximately 125m climb from the banks of Loch Katrine
Bogginess	3 / 5
Strenuosity	2 / 5
Other Info	Good paths and dirt tracks throughout

Introduction

Another typical, piss-awful day in Scotland. The winter of 2015 has been surprisingly bad, not for snow and freezing temperatures, but for continuous rain and dull, dreary days. Must be the fabled global warming or climate change or whatever it's called now. Man's heinous practices of spewing out CO2 catching up with him and it will leave us all burning in a sea of fire. Of course, it could actually just be the natural warming and cooling cycle experienced for billions of years on this planet but that scientific argument wouldn't allow governments to stick their noses in and control out lives further. Anyhow, that's a debate for another day, back to the walk at Loch Katrine.

Because of the short days of winter, we needed somewhere we could get up and down quick. Loch Katrine had a couple of options. Either go up Ben Venue, the big hulking mountain to the south the Loch or, if the conditions weren't suitable, head up the smaller Primrose Hill on the north bank of the Loch. So off we went.

Getting There and Parking Up

Loch Katrine is straightforward to get to. You access the car park from the A821 which runs off the A84 Stirling to Lochearnhead road. The turnoff from the A84 is signposted as is the junction on the A821 which takes you to the car park. There is a spacious car park there but it is pricey to park and they charge all year round too, the bandits! Ben Venue can be accessed from a couple of different routes but the popular route has a car park situated just around the corner from the one at Loch Katrine, and yes, it charges!

Climbing on top of Primrose Hill

As we approached Loch Katrine we saw the weather was looking really stormy and the peaks of the higher hills were covered in fog so we decided to just go up Primrose Hill instead of chancing Ben Venue. So we get parked in the car park, bemoan the eye-watering parking charge and get ready to go. Bang! Hail storm. Already before we even get going we are being belted by hail stones. So we wrap up and walk on towards the Loch.

The Loch has the usual array of tourist trappings you expect around the Loch Lomond area..A cheap Scottish crap shop, eatery etc. It also has two boats for pleasure cruisers, the Lady of the Lake and the Sir Walter Scott. Although they looked ready to go, I doubt they would have gone out that day as there were only a few visitors to the Loch.

The boats and shops on Loch Katrine

We continued around the path along the north side of the loch. It's actually not just a path but a road that services houses further along so you have to watch out for cars. The hail had stopped thankfully but views across the loch were still dull and misty. As we went round we happened across this small waterfall. It was really nothing spectacular but it was something to photo. Just a pity there were so many branches obscuring it. Will have to remember to pack a saw the next time I go out.

The unspectacular waterfall

After the first waterfall we come to another one, this time man-made. Again it wasn't overly spectacular but interesting nonetheless.

Waterfall No 2 - The man-made one

After the waterfalls we continued along the path looking for the turn off to Primrose Hill we noticed an info board telling us all about the lady of the lake. Her name was Ellen Douglas and she was holed up on Ellen's Isle in the Loch as a fugitive. She was the basis for Walter Scott's poem the Lady of the Lake. Schubert made seven songs from the poem's verses and verse 3 was the basis of a song you might have heard of called Ave Maria. 

I think this is Ellen's Isle. There aren't that many in the Loch so i'm sure this must be it.

It was quite amazing that one of the most well known and recited songs was based on events here. Anyway after absorbing that little piece of history we continued on and soon found the path leading up. The path was moderately steep but nothing too severe and it soon levelled out and continued parallel to the Loch. Although the elevated views over the Loch were nice, they were often obscured by trees. 

Views from Primrose Hill during a brief period where it wasn't raining or snowing. Ben Venue is the walloper of a hill in the background

 As we headed on the snow started belting down. In the snowstorm we started to question if we were on the right path or not as it didn't seem to lead up any of the surrounding hills. After looking at the map I concluded we had taken the wrong path and we should have turned right, not left, at the top of the climb. So we headed back and headed straight into a dead end. Oops! Don't trust me for good directions in the future. As the weather was still awful we just decided to head back to the car and go somewhere else. We had seen most of what Loch Katrine had to offer and we still had time to go visit somewhere else. 

The path / road around the loch taking us back to the car

We trudged back down and along the path to the car. The precipitation which had been falling as snow higher up was just rain down on the path. We were only about 100m higher but that was enough to make it fall as snow. How bizarre. As we got back to the car we checked the information board at the car park to see where the Primrose Hill walk actually was. Turns out we were on the right path initially and if we had followed it a bit further it would have just turned back to the loch. It seems a bit misleading calling it a walk up Primrose Hill when it is actually just an elevated path on the side of a larger hill, However, we were also glad we hadn't missed out on climbing to the summit  and we had managed to see pretty much everything Primrose Hill had to offer.

Onwards to Loch Awe

We thought about looking around the area we were currently in to fill up the rest of the day but we doubted it would offer anything new or interesting. I then remembered reading some article about the most amazing places to visit in Scotland and in it was Kilchurn Castle at Loch Awe near Tyndrum. It was about an hour or so drive from where we were so we decided to just go for it eventhough we would be cutting it fine for daylight.

Kilchurn Castle - Loch Awe
Parking	Small, rough ground car park off the A85 which isn't signposted. No parking charges.
Distance	Less than 1 mile there and back
Height / Ascent	Flat ground - No ascent
Bogginess	2 / 5
Strenuosity	1 / 5
Other Info	Good path but can be a bit boggy and wet if it has been raining

Getting There and Parking Up

The car park is just off the main A85 which runs from Tyndrum to Oban. The turnoff is quite obscure and it isn't signposted. If you are coming from the east it is before you get to the settlement of Lochawe between the turnoff south for the A819 and the bridge running over the river. It is easy to miss (as we did) so keep your eyes peeled. The car park is just rough ground and not very big so it could get quite cramped during tourist season. There are no parking charges.

Awesome to the Max

We eventually found the small car park at Loch Awe after driving through the village of Lochawe and back again in the torrential rain. Slightly unsure if we had found the right place (as the car park isn't signposted on the main road), we got out and had a nosey around but thankfully there was a sign directing us to the Loch. The sun was already starting to set so we had to get a leg on down to the castle. At least the rain had stopped though. You used to be able to cross the railway line to get down to the castle but since walking across the railway line is now a criminal act of trespass (FFS!), a new path has been created going under the railway bridge.

The path going under the railway bridge

Once under the bridge, the castle soon comes into view and it is a short walk down the path to reach it. We were both pretty awe-struck (gettit) when we caught sight of it as the ruinous structure looks spectacular surrounded by the loch and towering hills.

The eerie ruin of Kilchurn Castle

The ruins had a desolate, eerie and haunting presence. The grey, rainy day and the fact we were the only ones there only embellished that feeling. I couldn't imagine it feeling so haunting on bright summers day with droves of tourists milling around. The main door to the castle was unfortunately locked. This is common for Historic Scotland to lock up their properties during the winter months but the views from the outside were spectacular enough. 

It can be tricky to get decent photos because the castle is quite hemmed in by the Loch limiting the photo opportunities, especially if you want the hill to the north in the background, but we still managed to get some good shots. The money shot seems to be from the south-east bank of the loch as this allows you to get the castle with the mountainous hills in the background. Unfortunately, the sun had almost set so we didn't have time to go around there. So after getting our fill of snaps around the castle, we headed home.

Mike sizing up the castle for a snap

The decaying ruins

Heading Home - Reflection

We didn't have much time to play with because of the short, winter day but we still managed a twofer which was good. Loch Katrine is stunning, as are all the large Scottish lochs, but it doesn't really offer anything more than what you would expect. It is geared up for tourists and it would be a great place for a family outing in summer. Apart from the Loch itself and the surrounding hills there isn't really that much to photograph. Primrose Hill is not really a hill walk in the traditional sense, i.e. reaching a summit, but more just an elevated viewing platform over the loch and hills. The crap weather also didn't help endear it to us.

Kilchurn Castle is a walk which gives a good 'bang for your buck'. Short walk - Big Reward! We were only there about an hour and managed to grab a stash of great photos

Worth a visit?

Loch Katrine would be good for family outings but doesn't offer much more than any of the other Scottish lochs. It would also be pretty annoying in the summer months overrun with tourists, Ben Venue, next to the loch, looks like a good hill climb though and that would be the only reason we would return here.

Kilchurn Castle is a must visit place if you are in the area. Its easy and quick to get to and is a spectacular sight. We will definitely return when we are back in the area

We're Back !

Yup, it's been a while since the last post. Due to work and me having to do a fairly onerous college course the blog has been left to stagnate nearly all year. But don't worry, we are back and ready to put up regular posts. Although there haven't been any posts here for ages, we have still be getting out and about occasionally so we now have a fair back catalogue of walks and loads of pictures to post. However, instead of working through the old walks as I had initially hoped, I will now post our most recent trips as we do them and fill in with the old walk when I have time. Enjoy!

Auchterhouse Hill and Balluderen Hill - Burn Baby Burn!

Auchterhouse Hill and Balluderen Hill
Parking	You can park at the car park at Balkello Woodland or just dump your car at the side of the road somewhere.
Distance	Approx 3 miles
Height / Ascent	424m AOD. 200m ascent from Balkello Woodland
Bogginess	2 / 5
Strenuosity	3 / 5
Other Info	Good paths and dirt tracks throughout

Introduction

A summer's day in July. The weather was warm and sunny, beckoning us out on an other adventure. We decide to go looking for some historic sites so we have a look over the OS map and notice there seems to be a fair amount happening around Tealing way. So we chunter out and have a look at Tealing Doocot. Very Nice! And very well preserved. Well worth popping in to have a look.

Tealing Doocot. Interesting!

Just down the road is the Tealing Souterrain. Again, a very interesting historic piece and easy to get to.

Mike inspecting the information board for the souterrain

We then go to inspect some standing stones located in a field. They were not as easily accessible as we might have hoped. We had to pop over a couple of barbed wire fences and through a bog to reach them.

The standing stones. Were they worth nearly getting castrated to see?

After the standing stones we had to head back to the car. Back over the barbed wire fences again! On our way back along the road we noticed something lying on the road. What was it? A pair of women's undies. The mind boggles as to the reason they were left there. Anyway, we did the honourable thing and picked them up and stuck them on the branch of a tree.

Underpants on a stick

Keeping the roads safe from offending objects

After our good deed for the day was done we returned to the car. It was still early in the day and we couldn't find any other historic sites to visit in the area. What to do? Well, there were a few nice looking hills over in the distance, so let's get going up Auchterhouse Hill!

Getting There and Parking Up

You can see these hills for miles in the surrounding area and there are many different ways you can attack them, with numerous paths to and fro. Your best bet is to use the car park at Balkello Woodland although we chose to park at North Balluderon Farm which is also good but there is less space to park.

The Balkello Woodland car park and North Balluderon Farm can be accessed from a minor road running between Kirkton of Auchterhouse and Tealing. Both settlements are well signposted and easy to find so you shouldn't have any trouble. If you are not familiar with the area your best bet would be to head along the A90 Dundee to Aberdeen road and turn off for Tealing from here. Then take the minor road running west from Tealing to Kirkton of Auchterhouse.

Men of the Hills

We park up at North Balluderon Farm. The sun is beating down so we check the car's thermometer before going out. It read Scorchio! That is 27oC to normal peope. So anyway, we got out of the car and started heading up the path.

Our Goal

The path up is fairly gentle at the start but it is still hard going because of the heat. As we continue round we are nipping behind trees for a spot of shade and to cool down. We didn't bring any sunscreen with us or any hats or suchlike to keep the sun off our faces. Doh! Thankfully the trusty OS map worked as a nice makeshift sun hat.

Me trying to cool off. A sombrero might be better!

After a while of walking west around the base of Balluderon Hill, the gradient started to increase as we headed up the path towards Auchterhouse HIll. As we continue up, the woodlands disappeared and there were no shady spots to get out of the sun. We were really feeling it as we climbed up. To rub salt in the wounds, we meet this bloke and his bird walking back down. We are almost on our knees from exhaustion and they are bounding happily down the hill. Are we really that unfit? Because they certainly didn't look like they would be entering the Olympics any time soon.

A couple of walkers who must have asbestos skin.

With steely determination we climb on. Every step felt like a trial. We eventually came up to a patch of heath atop a small mound close to Auchterhouse Hill and just threw ourselves down. We were fucked! With our bodies tired and mouths as dry as a nun's crutches we were in serious need of liquid refreshment, so it was time to crack open the wonder potions.

 

That was a tasty beverage.

That caffeinated, chemical ridden cola surely hit the spot. As we sat drinking and contemplating life,  we noticed a small critter crawling through the grass and onto my OS map / sunhat.

The determined caterpillar

For some reason we were fascinated by this caterpillar crawling around. Maybe it was due to delirium from the heat or maybe we just needed an excuse to sit on our arses a while longer and rest. Anyway,  just like Robert the Bruce and the spider, the caterpillar's relentless determination must have rubbed off on us and we decided to get moving again.

From our resting spot we can see Auchterhouse Hill

We had found our second wind. In addition to the stoic and inspirational caterpillar, the shot of caffeinated juice and the sit down, some clouds had moved overhead and were providing welcome shade. We bounded towards the summit of Auchterhouse Hill.

Eventually we made it. We reached the flattened peak of this hill where a fort once stood. Unfortunately, there were no remains of the fort still standing but there were stunning views across landscape. Well, mostly stunning views....

Where's the fort?

Most of the views across the lowlands looked amazing. Even Dundee didn't look that bad from up there but there was one howler that stood out and marred the landscape. A new housing development at Auchterhouse. Although I firmly support new housing developments in rural locations and welcome innovative design, this looked crap. They were big, hulking, standardised designs with towers on them. Yes, bloody towers! I know Auchterhouse has a reputation for being a bit knobby but housing schemes with towers just looks ridiculous.

The palatial yet unsightly new housing development

So after having a seat up Auchterhouse Hill and admiring the views, we are eastbound and down over to Balluderen Hill.

Enjoying yet more of the sun.

The walk between the two summits was not too bad. The path was good and the gradients not too steep. Before long we get over to Balluderen Hill and are greeted by this impressive monument erected to Sydney Scroggie - The Man o' the Hills.

The monument atop Balluderen Hill

The plaque to Sydney Scroggie

If you thought that little caterpillar was inspirational, check out this guy. Here is a piece about him

William Sydney (Syd) Scroggie 1919 - 2006    Inspirational hill-walker, author and worthy. Born in Canada, Scroggie was brought to Dundee as a baby, his father having died of wounds received during the First World War. He was educated at John Watson's Institution (Edinburgh) and the Harris Academy (Dundee) before joining publisher D.C. Thomson, where he was employed as a sub-editor of The Hotspur comic. In the last months of World War II, while serving as an officer in Italy, he was injured by a mine and lost his right leg and the sight in both eyes. However, he learned Braille at St Dunstan's in London and studied for a time at New College, Oxford, before returning to Dundee, obtaining a position with NCR, where he spent the remainder of his career. With good humour and determination he overcame his disabilities to return to his beloved hills, walking thousands of miles and making more than 600 blind climbs. Describing his blindness as 'a sort of adventure', he inspired many by refusing to let it limit his life. He taught himself Greek and became a published poet and author, with works including the book The Cairngorms: Scene and Unseen (1989) and a collection of his poems Give Me the Hills (1978). Scroggie appeared on the television programme This is Your Life in 1964 and was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Dundee in 2001. He died at his home in Bridgefoot (Angus). He is remembered by a cairn on Balluderon Hill in his beloved Sidlaw Hills. A rare honour for a living hill-walker, this was built in 2000, and Scroggie walked up the hill for the official unveiling, despite being aged 81 at the time. Source: http://www.scottish-places.info

And here is a video of him on the famous Weir's Way.

So after reading the plaque and admiring the views from the hill we thought we would have a welcome sit down. We weren't feeling as knackered as earlier but we were getting mighty red and knew we were going to feel it the next day.

Looking a bit sunburnt there.

A seat in the shade whilst I roll one up.

That was enough for us. We had made it to the summit of both the hills and had got far too much sun in the process so we decided to head back to the car. The other hill in the area, Craigowl Hill, would have to wait for another day.

Craigowl Hill. That's for another day.

As we had seen enough of the sun we decided to take the quick route back down through the heath. We had to watch where we were going though as there were a few steep drops.

Don't want to go down that way

The quick way down

So after a very quick descent we were back at the car and on our way home.

Heading Home - Reflection

It was a good day out made overly demanding by our lack of preparation. The climbs up the hills are not too strenuous and you are rewarded with some great views over the area. We just made a meal out of it by not having any decent supplies with us such as suncream, plenty of liquids and at least a hat to shade us from the sun. Thankfully, all we ended up with was a bit of sunburn but it is worth bearing in mind that heatstroke can be fatal so make suitable preparations before you head out.

As for photography, it really wasn't something we were thinking about too much on this day. However, bright sunny days will usually yield some good snaps and this was no exception, so we got some interesting images of our outing.

Worth a visit?

Definitely worth a walk up. It's not too severe and there are good paths all around. It's close to Dundee so if you are local you don't have to travel far to get there. Just make sure you take suitable equipment and supplies for the day, unlike us!