Stride Out in Perthshire

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd August 2015 is the ‘Get Outdoors Scotland’ event, and with 2015 Ramblers Scotland’s 50th year they are encouraging everyone to get outdoors this bank holiday weekend. And in case we need a little encouragement they’re offering a prize at Gleneagles Hotel for anyone who sends a pic of themselves walking in Scotland!

Now, I don’t know about you but that is my sort of incentive! So I set out to discover where the best walks in Perthshire and Kinross might be and was introduced to a very nice lady called Jeannie Cranfield from Ramblers Scotland (how much do you love that name? Ramblers Scotland!). 

She was happy to tell me about the eleven Medal Routes walking hubs here in Perthshire and Kinross and as a woman who loves a bit of fresh air and chance to leave technology behind (you know you want to!) I was all over downloading these Ramblers Routes from their website. Okay, so technology is absolutely my friend but a couple of hours off at the weekend to breathe in the glorious Perthshire countryside is my idea of bliss! 

We've pulled together some Ramblers Group walks happening over the 1st and 2nd August in Perthshire.

Achnafree Hill – a walk with Perth Ramblers.  1st August 2015

Depart Asda Car Park at 9.00am, walk start at Glen Turret Dam at 10am.  A linear walk along Loch Turret ascent by land rover track to summit of Achnafree Hill and back. Please let the walk leader know in advance if you'd like to attend the walk. A Ramblers grade B walk, 10mls.

• Contact Roger Bricknell – 01764656114, 07733317725
• Find out more >>

Ben Lawers – a walk with Strathtay Ramblers. 1st August 2015

Walk starts at Ben Lawers car park at 9.30am. From the old visitors centre, ascend Beinn Ghlas, descend to the bealach and climb Ben Lawers for far reaching views. Skirt around Beinn Ghlas on the descent. Please let the walk leader know in advance if you'd like to attend the walk. A Ramblers grade  A walk, 5mls.

• Contact Jenny Rees – 01887830521
• Find out more >>

Braco Lochs, Fort and Castle  – a walk with Strathkelvin Ramblers. 1st August 2015

A lovely walk around a nature reserve on tracks and paths. May be boggy in places, walking boots required. Car Park just leaving Braco, immediately on left before bridge over River Knaik.  Please let the walk leader know in advance if you'd like to attend the walk. A Ramblers grade C+ walk, 13.6km (8.5 Miles). 

• Contact Anne Clarke - 0141 563 3907
• Find out more >>

Pitmedden - Abernethy Glen – a walk with Broughty Ferry Ramblers.  2nd August 2015

A circular walk through Pitmedden forest. Some road walking.  A Ramblers grade C+ walk, 6.5mls.  Please contact the walkleader in advance if you'd like to attend the walk.

• Contact Alex Kelman – 01382776928
• Find out more >>

Pitcairn & Formonthills – a walk with Glenrothes Ramblers. 2nd August 2015

From Pitcairn ranger station, a walk in the lower part of East Lomond, taking in Formonthills. 
This is a Ramblers C+ walk, 7mls.  Please contact the walk leader in advance if you'd like to attend the walk.  

• Contact H Morrison - 01592749170, 07821148256
• Find out more >>

Ben Vorlich (Loch Earn) – a walk with Livingston Ramblers.  2nd August 2015
Ben Vorlich above Loch Earn on the southern fringe of the Highlands, is one of the best known Munros.  Although steep, straightforward hillwalking to the top which offers a superb viewpoint of  much of central Scotland. Ascent 985 meters.  A Ramblers grade B walk, 8km. Please contact the walk leader in advance if you'd like to attend the walk.

• Find out more >>

Ben Our – a walk with Cumbernauld and Kilsyth Ramblers

A circular walk up Ben Our in Perthshire. Ascent 742m. NS760746  Meet at Fleming House car park in Cumbernauld (first right off Tryst Road) to travel to the start of the walk by private bus. Fare £11. This is a moderate 8.1 miles / 13 km walk.  Please contact the walk leader in advance if you'd like to attend the walk to ensure there are enough places on the bus, or arrange to meet at the start of the walk. 

• Contact Cathie - 07788 373395
• Find out more >>

Ardblair Trail – a walk with Blairgowrie and District Ramblers. 2nd August 2015

A walk to the Darroch Wood then continue on to Fingask and White Loch, returning to the start via Piggy Lane.  This is a Ramblers grade C walk, 4.5 mls.  Meeting at the Wellmeadow Car Park in Blairgowrie, beside the co-op car park. Bring a drink and a small snack.  Please contact the walk leader in advance of attending this walk. 

• Contact Frances Cameron: 01250 875062
• Find out more >>

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Other Walks to get out and try!

Beinn a' Ghlo, Perth and Kinross 
Strenuous 13.4 miles / 21.6 kmA challenging route over three Munros (and one associated top) with the possibility of outstanding views all round (These are 'the Misty Mountains' however). View the full route here - Find out more >>

Dunkeld & Loch of the Lowes, Perthshire 
Moderate 6.3 miles / 10.2 kmA 6-mile circular walk through countryside around Dunkeld in Perthshire - Find out more >>

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STRIDE FOR LIFE WEEKLY WALKS 

If these feel a little adventurous to you (I have to say my irrational fear of edges is kicking in a wee bit!) and you’d like to start walking at a slightly easier pace then check out the FABULOUS Stride For Life walks that run by local Volunteer Walk Leaders in and around Perthshire.

Live Active Leisure has offered training for a whole bunch of Volunteer Walk Leaders who then go on to offer their time, free of charge, to guide you through regular walks in your local community.  This is exactly the sort of #PerthLoveFest we adore here at Small City; the idea is, that you can become more active and meet new people all while out walking in your own area – and of course, if you’re meeting a group instead of going it alone you are far, far more likely to pull on your walking boots and hit your stride.

Loving the whole idea, I caught up with the wonderful Fiona Lough who is the Volunteer Walk Leader at Stanley.  Fiona is a supply teacher who’s not always full time so she chooses to volunteer by offering up some of her free hours in her local community.  She is one of five Walk Leaders in Stanley and between them they offer two levels of walk each and every Friday at 10am starting from the Stanley Post Office. People can choose whether to take the shorter, more level walk or the longer walk which covers some uneven ground. The leaders are situated at the front and back of each walk so no-one gets lost or left behind! Afterwards everyone goes for a cuppa and a slice of cake – which is sounding more and more like my kind of walk!

“It’s so easy to ask someone along to a Stride For Life Walk.  There’s no pressure to do the longer walk, no need for fancy equipment – just a pair of comfortable, sensible shoes, and of course best of all, it’s completely free. You definitely feel more motivated as part of a group and if anyone out there is thinking about it, we’d love to meet them. You don’t need to be from Stanley to enjoy our walks – we welcome everyone!

And you know, almost always, the weather in Stanley at 10am on a Friday is perfect for walking in. The thing is, when you’re in the house looking out it might look a bit dull, but once you’re out in it and enjoying a chat you’ll find it’s never as bad as you first thought!”

To join Fiona and the Stanley Stride For Life group, simply turn up at the Post Office in Stanley at 10am on a Friday morning. It is free to take part with the price of a cup of tea (and cake – I was promised cake!) an optional extra!

If Stanley is a little out of your way, then check out these great walks offered Live Active Leisure Stride for Life leaders. These all take place weekly and there are a number of groups to choose from throughout the Perth area - so why not pick one (or two!) and join in the fun?

Download the Stride For Life Walks Timetable HERE! 

Happy Walking!