Outing to Deanston Distillery and Callander on 24 September

The final outing of 2018 was attended by 31 and so we had a smaller bus. As our driver has been doing guided tours he gave us some very interesting facts and kept us entertained all day. The weather was lovely and sunny most for of the day. 

 Our coffee stop was at Dobbies Stirling and on this outing we had plenty time to do some shopping.

We then had a short drive through the countryside and up a narrow road to the Distillery, which looked like a mill. We found out later that it was originally a cotton mill!

On arrival, we were split into two groups with a 10 minute gap between us setting off. The tour began with watching a video on the history of the mill and distillery before we were taken round by a very informative and enthusiastic young lady. I believe the other lady was also very good.

After the tour we were given two different samples to taste. As there were a few of the ladies who don't drink, I do believe some of the gentlemen on the tour had a lot more to drink! Our treasurer even managed to get samples for the driver to take home with him.  Well, if you don't ask you don't get!

There was time to purchase some goodies, although we’re not sure if anyone availed themselves of the £5 discount on a bottle of whisky before we were on our way to Callendar with time for lunch and more shopping.

High tea was at the King Robert Hotel Stirling and those who were on the Bannockburn outing recognised where it was, the name was the giveaway - yes it was right next door to Bannockburn.

I think a lovely meal was had by all (well no one seemed to complain) and the service was excellent.  All too soon it was time to return to Edinburgh and once again the bus was being picked up by Douglas so there were no local drop offs! 

A good finale to our 2018 summer outings. We'll have to wait to see where 2019 will take us.

Outing to the Borders show at Kelso on 27 July

Fifty five of us set off on sunny Friday 27th July to visit the Borders show at Kelso.

Our first stop was at Carfraemill for tea or coffee and scones, very enjoyable. Joan passed out all the tickets and we then headed to Kelso and the show.

We had loads of time to wander around and to sample the many "freebies" available. Word has it that the gin and cheese stalls were well supported!! There was plenty to see and do. Some of us managed to sit in the sun whilst watching the show jumping. It was such a beautiful day and a very worthwhile visit.

After the show we headed to the Kingsknowes Hotel in Galashiels for a lovely high tea, despite the excessive heat in the restaurant, think we picked one of the hottest days of our summer. Everyone was happy to make our way home in our lovely air conditioned coach.

Strollers Walk number 232 - Earlston

Nineteen Strollers met in Earlston for a walk around and up Black Hill (1,030 feet). On the top you can still trace the concentric rings of the British fort for which it was named. It is also said to be possible to make out the remains of the cave-dwellings of the Votadini, the tribal confederation in this part of Scotland.

We didn’t quite start at the usual 11.00 as some Strollers experienced slight scheduling problems with the coffee shop and the eternal question of ‘how long does it take to pour a coffee and make a bacon butty?’ Obviously a long time when there is only one person serving. 

It was time to walk up Speedy’s path to Cowdenknowes Mains and then follow the sign round to Black Hill.  No one seemed up for the old Doris Day song as the hill seemed a lot steeper than was suggested and people were too busy trying to breathe. It was also a bit worrying that the buzzards kept circling above us as we walked! The views however got better as we climbed up the hill.

Reaching a spot for a lunch break the ‘fitter’ Strollers continued to the top of the hill and the magnificent views of the borders. Looking north down on Earlston; to the south-east Ruberslaw (Denholm); to the south Peniel Heugh (Ancrum) and to the south-west, the Eildon Hills at Melrose, with the Big Cheviot and the hills around Peebles in the distance. In total a view of around 1,200 square miles of The Borders. As well as being able to see the rain clouds in the distance! Would we beat them down?

Next we headed back down and followed the path through the farm and down the road to the new High School then back to Earlston. And, yes, our leader Moira lived up to her nickname of ‘Muddy’ as the path at the end of the walk had turned into a swimming pool in sections. We knew it had been too good up till then.

In Earlston, it was time to thank ‘Muddy’ Moira for a very energetic walk, but worth it for the views, and head off for a tea/coffee but avoiding the coffee shop from the morning.

Look forward to seeing you on the next walk.