Welcome to Carnoustie Walkers & Ramblers

Linda Gordon

Email - gordon.linda@gmail.com

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Wednesday 3rd June

Cat Law - circular walk. (Linda S)

Meeting point: parking space on the road to Balintore - turn R off Glen Isla road just past Loch of Lintrathen.

OS grid ref: NO 283 588

What 3 words:

kicks.headlight.sliders

Near Balintore, the road runs through woodland -  parking space is on L hand side.

There are very big access gates for forestry vehicles so please do not block these gates when you park. You can see Balintore Castle from the parking space.

Walking route follows the road then turns off through the grounds of Balintore Castle to Knowehead of Auldallan  Farm. From there we cross a field to join the track up Cat Law.

From the top, we'll descend into Glen Quharity, walk down the glen to the road, then back to the cars.

Dist: approx 12k / 7.5miles

Ascent: 468m / 1,530ft

LOW LEVEL WALK

Set out with high level walkers, then turn off to L on self-guided out and back walk up scenic Glen Quharity - as far as you want to go before turning back.

REFRESHMENTS

Peel Farm 😊

ADDED NOTE:

Not long ago, we climbed Cat Law on a dismal day - very heavy rain, wind and low cloud, so we missed the great  views which are one of the highlights of this walk.

Therefore, if weather forecast is for rain on Wednesday, I will cancel this walk for a better day with the views!

ALTERNATIVE POOR WEATHER WALK:

North Water Viaduct -  Montrose.

A Courier Walk done several times by the Carnoustie Walkers.

A low level loop - flat walk along the Montrose seafront to the North Water Bridge - old railway viaduct crossing R. North Esk.

More details if Cat Law cancelled.

 Sorry, folks, but tomortow's walk will be at Montrose and Cat Law will be rescheduled.

Constant weather checks today on all my weather apps plus tonight's BBC TV forecast show that we would probably start off dry at 10am, but rain with some heavy downpours will sweep northwards bringing worsening visibility. It looks like we'd be caught by the rain on the top and for the descent.

MONTROSE - WALK TO NORTH WATER VIADUCT.

Meeting point: 10am at the Beach Car Park in Traill Drive near the Splash Park - What 3 Words :

buyers.bookings.

microfilm.

Grid ref: NO 726 578

Distance: 12k/7.5miles

It looks like there are parking charges - £4.80 per day /£1 an hour.

Not sure if there is possible street parking, so we could gather in the car park, then move if street parking is available. 

Courier Walk: Along beach (low tide 10.24am) and/or prom to north end - turn inland to the viaduct - return by cycle track and Montrose Links.

Not sure how accurate the Courier walk is now that Montrose Beach and the golf links have been seriously eroded, so we shall see!

P.S. Weather forecast is a bit better on the coast. It should be ok to start with, then rain about 1pm.

Refreshments in 2nd Chance Tea Room in Inverkeillor.

Wednesday 27th May

Historic circuit around Glamis. (Gill)

Setting off 10am from  the village car park, entry by side street from Main Street, DD8  1RG or what3words browsers.refined.onion 

Taking in woodland walks, farm tracks & minor roads

Approx 8 miles

Ascent 950 ft

Wednesday 20 May

Rait Circular (Gill)

Change of walk for this Wednesday- doing the one proposed in January but was called off due to bad weather.

Starts & finishes at Rait  Antique Centre, PH2 7RT

what3words soup.nylon.miles

Set off at 10am- ample parking & WC facilities to the side of the Antique cente 

Approx 10 miles 

We head South from the car park, turning left at the signpost B9543 to Franklyden

We will pass many points of interest including reservoirs.

1610 ft elevation 

A shorter/self guided route is available around the village.

Pack picnic, however refreshments are available by the wood burning stove inside the Antique centre cafe once we return to our vehicles.

Try soup.nylons.rules for What3words. Antique Centre should be fairly easy to find.

Wednesday 13 May

Bluebell Walk . Stanley to Kinclaven. ( Eleanor H )

Take the Luncarty turn off the A9 and after the bends at Stanley turn right on to Percy St and at the end of the road, left on to Mill St.  The walk starts at Linn Road which is off to the right.  

What3words : regretted.humble.reviewed

Unfortunately there is no car park but Linn Rd and Mill St should be quiet.

We will walk along an old railway line, take a path through the woods, a bit "off piste", up Court Hill and through to the Bluebell woods.

The walk is 8 miles long and suitable for everyone.

☕🍦🍰 Stewart Tower

What3words : comply.shoebox.handy

To get there head north along Mill St, turn right onto B9099 and carry on out off Stanley.  Take first left signed Bankfoot.  After Stewart Tower the road joins the A9 near Bankfoot.

Wednesday 6 May

East Lomond. (Mitch)

Meeting point: Falkland Estate Car Park on A912 near Pillars of Hercules retail Park.

What3words: dried.organ.homecare.

OS Grid Ref: NO 242 081

The walks commence at 10am. 

The high walk is from the car park to East Lomond summit via Arraty Den, a small steep climb (10 minutes) up Andy's Trod trail, Maiden Castle and Craigmead car park before the ascent up East Lomond. Returning via the Old Limekiln and Maspie Den. Approximately 9.25 miles with an ascent of 1,300 feet.

The shorter walk (self guided) is from the car park to Craigmead and return. Approximately 4.25 miles with an ascent of 750 feet.

Alternative shorter walk is the same as high walk until Craigmead car park, then return via Maspie Den. Approximately 6.5 miles with an ascent of 850 feet. (The shorter walk will be decided by the walkers doing this walk before we start).

If you intend to join the walk please register your attendance on the group WhatsApp on the evening prior to the walk.

Please monitor WhatsApp for any last-minute weather related changes.

☕️🍰 Pillars of Hercules️

Wednesday 29 April

Moncreiffe Hill (Gill)

Walk starts from from Moncreiffe Hill, Perth SOUTH carpark 

Leaving at 10am. Approximately 7.5 miles, with a fair bit of climbing. 

What 3 words: tucked.masking.drifting

Postcode: PH2 8QA

Drive through Bridge of Earn & take road on the right.  Space for around 7 cars.

Please note there is a North car park but that's NOT where we are meeting.

Wednesday 23 April

AGM 

To be held in Carnoustie Ladies Club , Links Parade, Carnoustie at 10 am. Local walk taking in East Haven, Scryne, Fairy Steps & return to Carnoustie to follow. 

Wednesday 15 April

Gella Circular (Robin)

CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER

The walk will start at 10am from the Gella Car Park at the south end of Glen Clova.  Getting there, take the B955 from Kirriemuir, north through Dykehead  and carry on for a further 2.5 miles to a road junction and take the right hand fork signposted  ROTTAL. This takes you downhill and over a bridge, turn right immediately into the Gella  Car Park (200m).   The walk goes N along the road for almost 500m and the turns right up the track past Gella Farm and on to the top of the hill where we turn N and walk along the track, over The Aud (400m) and continue to walk round the head of the glen which has slowly taken us up to the summit of Craigtharn for lunch. Great views are had from the summit  all around and particularly to the north into the Cairngorms. We descend from the summit westerly to grassy tracks to complete the circuit back to the car park. Approximately 8 miles  and 1200ft net.

Wednesday 8 April

Collessie/Lindores (Maggie)

Walk starts at Collessie and is approx. 12km (7.5 miles) and 275m (900ft).

Starting point is Collessie Village Hall. What3words: locals.indeed.reactions, OSgrid ref 287134

Walk starts at 10am.

Parking is free but donations are welcome (box at entrance). The lady who looks after the Hall has very kindly offered to leave the door open for us to use the toilets both before and after the walk. 

The walk is on woodland paths, farm tracks and grassy slopes with some quiet minor roads. 

Please register your attendance on WhatsApp and monitor for any last minute weather changes

Wednesday 1 April

Glen Esk (Val)

The walk is a circular, starting at  Dalbrack Bridge, Glenesk, to Keenie via Cowie Hill and returning by the River North Esk.

Approximately 9 miles with an ascent of 1000 feet.  A shorter self-guided walk is possible from the bridge past Dalbrack farm, Drumgreen and Buskhead along by the river towards Keenie - mileage to suit.

Walks start at 10am.

Meeting point Dalbrack Bridge, Glenesk. What.3.words:  hedgehog.yesterday.lateral

OS Grid ref: NO 46927836

The toilets at Tarfside may be closed midweek, but are open at the car park in Edzell - honesty box there for the volunteers.

Please register your attendance on the WhatsApp group and monitor it for any last minute weather changes. 

Wednesday 25 March

Loch Ordy / Deuchary Hill (Shirley)

Meet at Cally car park just outside Dunkeld at 10am: ///waistcoat.tenure.skin

Hi all, walk this week is to Loch Ordie with optional ascent of Deuchary Hill. The Loch Ordie only option is approximately 10 miles with an ascent of 900 feet, the optional ascent of Deuchary Hill only adds another mile but total ascent is approximately 1500 feet. It is a really lovely viewpoint though on a clear day 😊. From Cally car park we follow the main track to Loch Ordie until we arrive at Mill Dam where we take the right hand fork to follow the high path to Loch Ordie. Once we cross a small bridge, those heading to Loch Ordie will carry straight on while those wishing to ascend Deuchary Hill will take the right hand fork which leads to a narrow track up the south side of the hill. This track is a little steep and possibly muddy in places but the reward is stunning views from the top. We will then descend the north west flank of the hill on a track which is steep initially but then leads gently down to the beautiful Lochan na Beinne. From there we follow the track down to join the high path to Loch Ordie where we can stop for lunch. The return is by the main track back to the car park. Photos of both routes attached to hopefully help the description. Please confirm if you are able to attend and your preferred route. Thanks!

Wednesday 18 March

Lochore circular taking in Benarty Hill (Robin)

The walk will start at 10.00 from Loch Ore Country Park, KY5 8BA. The walk will generally take us in a northerly direction from the car park (97m) through Harran woods and over Harran Hill, (189m), on to the start of the climb up Benarty Hill (356m) for lunch. Benarty is one of three /four tops that form a small range of hills that skirt the south shore of Loch Leven. The north flank of the range is considerably more challenging than the southern flank which we will be on. The return route will primarily be decided by the weather on the day.   Getting there!  The entry to Lochore Country Park is at the south end of Main Street B920 in the Village of Crosshill at a roundabout and at the end of the built up area. Ballingry and Crosshill are adjoined. From the M90 leave at Jnc. 5 and turn left from the slip road on to B9097  in 100m turn left onto B996 and then turn right onto the B9097 which will take you along the south shore of Loch Leven to a junction just passed the end of the loch turn right and at the next junction, 500m further on keep right when you will be on the B920 and will enter Ballingry  (no name plate). The café in the park. I would suggest is ideal to fortify your driver for the return journey and may be appropriate to grab a bacon roll on arrival.

Distance 8.5 miles Height 1230 ft

Wednesday 11 March

Stonehaven to Dunnottar and return (Eleanor)

The walk will be based around Dunnottar Castle at Stonehaven.  We will park in the castle car park, what3words ///dressing.whisk.test, and be ready to begin walking at 10am.  We will first head towards and then explore Dunnottar Woods then head towards Stonehaven where we will walk the board walk and admire the sculptures by Stonehaven 's "Banksy." After lunch on the seafront we will head up the cliff and walk to the castle.  

Distance is approx 7/8miles with an ascent of around 450 feet.

The walk should be suitable for everyone but if required the Stonehaven section can be omitted by continuing up the cliff on the gentler path and lunching at the harbour viewpoint.

Hopefully we will finish by 3pm in time for refreshments at the kiosk in the car park.

Wednesday 4 March

Newtyle circular (Shirley) 

Hi all, sorry for the lack of attendance at walks recently. Just one buggy thing after another. Feeling almost back to normal so planning to do the walk from Newtyle next Wednesday 4th March as planned.  Might have to adapt route on the day depending on forestry works and cows but the plan is to meet at Newtyle park car park at 10am: ///darting.crumple.generals. If this car park is full there’s usually parking available nearby on the streets of Newtyle. From the car park we’ll head west along North Street, cross the Dundee Road then west along the Coupar Angus Road until sign for Water Backie path, I think, could just say Newtyle Path Network. I walk there most days but never look at the signs 🤦‍♀️ This path heads briefly south under the old rail bridge then we ascend some steps to reach the railway loop path where we turn right. After crossing the bridge over Coupar Angus Road we stay on this path until another short flight of steps on the left  to cross another bridge over the railway path. There used to be a railway round these parts apparently 😆 Anyway from here, the plan is to head up one of the fields into the woods above Kinpurney house to pick up the main hill track. There is forestry work ongoing but tree surgeon I spoke to today said main track up the hill should remain accessible. We follow the main path uphill out of the woods onto the open hillside where, on a good day there are fabulous views over to Kinpurney hill in the east  and as we ascend higher, views north over the Strathmore valley to the Angus Glens and Grampians beyond. Still on this main track we keep right where it levels out before reaching a red gate. We go through this gate and turn left, south, to follow the path to the top of the ridge. On a clear day there are fabulous views over Long Loch below and the Lomond Hills beyond. We turn right, west, to head along to Privys Prap, also known as the McKenzie monument. We can pause here for snacks or lunch to take in the views or keep going to get out of the wind and rain. Hopefully not the latter. For those just wanting a short walk, the option would be to return to the car park by the same route self guided. For the rest we continue west along the track until we get to a gate. The route from here is a bit convoluted to avoid the bog which I’m keen to avoid having got up close and personal a couple of times before 😆Long story short we end up on the main track up from Hallyburton where we head up to the summit of Westerkeith hill which is marked by a trig point. Fantastic views again from here. Aiming for lunch here if weather ok and we haven’t eaten it already. We then take the smaller path east from the summit which drops down towards Long Loch then skirts the hillside on the north of the loch to take us back up towards the Prap. The path is not well defined in places and a bit boggy but nothing major. We may encounter cows on Westerkeith hill as I have noticed they were up there today so route may have to adjust to avoid them. Assuming all good, once we arrive back at the Prap, we’ll head east following the main track as far as the path we took up, option to descend here, or go through the gate ahead to carry along the ridge. This is worth doing on a good day as the views are fabulous. Did I say that already 😆Approximately a mile or so along this path we leave it to take a narrow path through the heather. Easily missed so best stick together. We follow this path, basically a deer track down into the woods known locally as the Birks. This path is not obvious in places so again best to stay together if you don’t know it. Once in the Birks we have the option to visit the Priest’s Cross with a short detour west, otherwise we’ll head east following the path which again is a bit circuitous due to storm damaged trees. We’ll then reach and descend Jacob’s Ladder (steps) and turn left, west, to pick up an older part of the railway loop. Once we reach a gate we have the option to carry on the railway loop to pick up and retrace our steps or to drop down track into Newtyle village. Once back at the car park we could head to the local pub for coffee and cake or drive 5 minutes along to Meigle which has more eatery options. Total walking distance approximately 8 miles or 4 miles if doing the Prap and back. Elevation gain for longer walk about 1,000 feet. Sorry if this is too much detail! Anyway hope to see those of you who can manage next Wednesday 😊

Wednesday 25 February

GRAB YOUR BUS PASS.

Drive to St Andrews and follow signage for Crail on the A917. On reaching Crail there is a roundabout in front of the Golf Hotel, take the first left and you will find ample parking on both sides of the road. Park and prepare to leave. We must be ready to leave on a service bus No. 95 that leaves Crail at 09:45 which will take us to Boarhills, approximately a 15 minute journey. (Please note that this bus is an hourly service)

From Boarhills we walk down to the beach and continue down the coast to Crail.  Maggie will also take a shorter walk which will take a track down to the beach from Kingsbarns and follow the coast back to Crail.

Both walks are very pleasant and are 8.5 miles and 6 miles respectively. We will probably have refreshments at Balgove Larder just north of St Andrews.

Wednesday 18th February

Glenduckie Hill from Newburgh. (Mitch)

Starting point: Newburgh recycling point car park, Cupar Rd opposite petrol station. What3words: rezoning.fanfare.pine 

OS Grid Ref: NO 240 182

Walk commences at 10 am.

We walk past the Abbey Distillery to take the Fife Coastal Path until we go around Glenduckie Hill, then take the track to Glenduckie and Old Higham to rejoin the Coastal Path back.

Approximately 8.25 miles with an ascent of 900 feet. 

If wished, a separate shorter out and back walk can be done.

If you intend to join the walk please register your attendance on the WhatsApp group on the evening prior to the walk. 

Please monitor WhatsApp for any last minute weGlendather changes.

Walking notes: Walk through the field with the usual  3 horses on the Coastal Path and no surprise, it's a bit muddy in places 😂

☕️🍰 The Buttercup Café, at petrol station.

Wednesday 11 February

CANCELLED - BECAUSE OF WEATHER FORECAST

Boarhills to Crail, and Kingsbarns to Crail.

GRAB YOUR BUS PASS.

Drive to St Andrews and follow signage for Crail on the A 917. On reaching Crail there is a roundabout in front of the Golf Hotel, take the first left and you will find ample parking on both sides of the road. Park and prepare to leave. We must be ready to leave on a service bus No. 95 that leaves Crail at 09:45 which will take us to Boarhills, approximately a 15 minute journey. (Please note that this bus is an hourly service)

From Boarhills we walk down to the beach and continue down the coast to Crail.  Maggie will also take a shorter walk which will take a track down to the beach from Kingsbarns and follow the coast back to Crail.

Both walks are very pleasant and are 8.5 miles and 6 miles respectively. We will probably have refreshments at Balgove Larder just north of St Andrews. Look out for a weather update late afternoon on Tuesday.

Wednesday 4 February

CANCELLED - BECAUSE OF WEATHER FORECAST

Hill of Rowan, Glen Esk (Lesley)

Parking at Tarfside as in walk report. See link here,  Hill of Rowan, Tarfside, Glen Esk 

Will meet at car park at 10am as usual and coffee and buns at Sinclair's larder in Edzell afterwards. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us, looking forward to seeing you all.

Wednesday 28 January

Crieff Circular/ Glen Turret. (Robin)

The walk starts at 10am from McRosty Park in Crieff.

Recent inclement weather has prevented a recce of the walk which leaves McRosty park and follows the Barvick Burn north out of town and we leave having reached the Glen Turret Distillery. The route then climbs a few metres up the hill behind the Distillery where we have usually had a bite of lunch basking in the aroma from the few million litres of maturing nectar. The walk then passes the Crieff area allotments and descends to cross the A85 where we pass a few houses on the NW fringe of town and turn right heading west into farm land leading to the River Earn and Lady Mary`s walk on the riverside back to Crieff`s McRosty Park.

The weather for the next week looks very poor, however we`ll hope it changes for the better.

Wednesday 21 January

CANCELLED - due to weather

Rait Circular. ( Gill) 

Starts & finishes at Rait  Antique Centre, PH2 7RT

what3words soup.nylon.miles

Set off at 10am- ample parking & WC facilities to the side of the Antique Centre 

Approx 10 miles 

We head South from the car park, turning left at the signpost B9543 to Franklyden.

We will pass many points of interest including reservoirs.

1610 ft elevation 

A shorter/self guided route is available around the village.

Pack picnic, however refreshments are available by the wood burning stove inside the Antique centre café once we return to our vehicles.

Wednesday 14 January

Springfield Woods near Cupar.

Starting point: Car Park near Springfield Parish Church. What3words: partly.fault.blogs.

Walks commence at 10 am.

The longer walk from the car park goes to Crawford Priory, Pitlessie, Gravel Pits, Seethome and returns to the car park. Note: padlocked gate to climb over. Approximately  8 miles with an ascent of 200 feet. 

A shorter walk takes the same route but omits the Gravel Pits diversion. Approximately 5.25 miles with an ascent of 150 feet.

If you intend to join the walk please register your attendance on the WhatsApp group on the evening prior to the walk. 

Please monitor WhatsApp for any last minute weather changes.

Wednesday 7 January

Newport Circular. Taking in Tayfield, Wormit Hill and the Mausoleum.

The walks start in Newport near the Shoreline Restaurant and the Little Moon Chinese. What3words  nosedive.swelling.month.

The shorter walk is 6 miles taking in Wormit, St Fort, Leng Memorial Mausoleum and Inverdovat with minimal ascent. The longer walk is 8.5 miles with extensions including Wormit Hill. 

The walks begin at 10am.

Friday 2 January

The first walk of the year is the walk across the Buddon Ranges. This will be on FRIDAY 2 Jan and will leave from the car park between Carnoustie station and the beach at 10 am. There  is a reduced bus service in operation on 2 jan and the Vaults in Monifieth ( our usual refuge from this walk ) is open. 

The walk will take the usual route which I will verify in the next couple of days.

The weather may take a turn colder between now and next year with a northerly air stream due to set in.

Needless to say family, friends and dogs welcome and bring a light lunch.

Update

The walk for tomorrow  was recc`d on Sunday and all was okay. The buses are running but on a reduced service. The weather, N, NW air stream moderate wind, temp 2-3 deg. Some rain expected overnight but should clear by daylight to give way to cloud with Sunny intervals.

Wrap up well and take a light packed lunch and a hot drink. Approx 7 miles, no elevation, buses returning to Carnoustie at 6 mins and 36 mins past the hour.

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