Walk 294 - Christmas Lunch

Fifty two Strollers, new and old, met for the long walk from the bus stops around Dundas Street to the Royal Scots Club in Abercromby Place to enjoy Christmas lunch.

Meeting in the Hepburn Lounge reception area for pre meal drinks, it was time to catch up with some Strollers we hadn’t seen for a while. Soon the appointed hour (1.00) came and we were shepherded through to the lounge for lunch, though this didn’t stop some Strollers sneaking back to the bar for more drinks (soft as well as hard).

After a short welcoming speech it was time to enjoy the food and the chat at the tables.

As the ‘Strolling Players’ have now retired the after meal ‘entertainment’ was a short quiz based on characters in comedy programs. It was great fun trying to recall names and programmes and putting the two together. 

All too soon it was time to pack up and brave the weather outside and look forward to another year of strolls.

This was the 20th year of holding the lunches at the Royal Scots Club and as usual the food and service was good.

All the best for the coming year.

Walk 293 - Musselburgh Lagoons - November 2024

Twelve Strollers met at Fisherrow harbour in Musselburgh for a walk along to the lagoons at Levenhall. In a complete contrast to when the walk was scheduled for last year, it was a beautiful sunny and calm day.

After strolling along the promenade to the river, we were then met by five more Strollers at the Electric Bridge, so called because it was built in the 1960s to take the construction traffic to Cockenzie Power station.

From here we went over to the side of the race track and past the first tee of the Musselburgh old golf course which has been here since 1672 but may have been played on before that. The race track is newer and dates from 1816.

We then followed the paths round the newer lagoons which have been created out of the old ash pits which were the spoils from the power station. These were only opened in 2023, and by chance we met the ranger for the site who told us of some of the birds and animals to be seen in the area. After a brief stop at one of the hides, which also gave great views back to Edinburgh, we headed down to the sea front and stopped for a seat and a bit of lunch.

We then made our way up past the entrance to the older hides and lagoons and circled round the pond and over the grass paths back to the side of the golf course and then followed the path back to the golf club and into town to finish the walk.

Thanks to Drew for arranging such a nice day for the walk.

Walk 292 - Dirleton to North Berwick - October 2024

A baker’s dozen of Strollers met in Dirleton for a stroll to North Berwick along part of the John Muir Way.

The forecast at one time was looking as if there would be a lot of rain, as well as being a tad breezy. As it turned out, the rain never materialised but the wind certainly blew and it was a day for keeping moving and not stopping for too long.

Starting in Dirleton, and admiring the scarecrows which are part of the annual scarecrow trail, we made our way down to Yellowcraig beach. It was nice in the shelter of the trees as we walked down and we had intended to stop there for a break but it was cold in the wind.

After a quick jaunt down to the beach to look out to Fidra, we then went past Yellowcraig Wood and across the field to walk along Abbotsford Road. Casting admiring looks at the large houses dating from the late 19th century, but then thinking of the heating and maintenance bills, maybe a small house is better.

The road runs along the side of the North Berwick West golf course and surprisingly there were quite a lot of golfers out there. We carried on down the path to walk along the edge of the golf course where Douglas’s hat got blown off and into one of the gardens. Luckily we managed to attract the attention of someone in the house who realised after a bit that we weren't just waving to be polite.

On into town and landing up at the bus stop for buses back home or for others time for a spot of lunch in a local cafe.

Thanks to Drew for the walk, if not the weather.

Walk 291 - Dalkeith Country Park - September 2024

Seventeen Strollers met at Restoration Yard in the Dalkeith Country Park to have a stroll round the ‘old woods’ with its ancient oak trees. Some astute Strollers managed to park their cars for free as the card machines weren't working and they claimed to have no cash!

It was a lovely sunny day and a nice temperature for walking under the trees. Following the path until the South Esk met the North Esk, we turned and headed along towards the Montague Bridge built in 1792 and named for the wife of the 3rd Duke of Buccleuch.

The path was a bit hillier in places than possibly suggested, but only for short distances and a bit muddier in one or two places after all the recent rain. Apologies to Moira C who was on her first walk for a while.

An enjoyable break for lunch was taken in front of Dalkeith Palace.

After lunch, we then followed the path over the Montague Bridge and up to the path between Belwood and the Hermitage. We turned left to follow the path down into the Belwood and along the line of the Dean Burn. From there we headed back down the road to the car park and the end of the walk where the call of Greggs in Dalkeith was a strong attraction for some Strollers.

Thanks to Drew for organising the walk on a lovely day with not too many puddles.

Hopefully it will as good on the next walk.

Outing to the Pittenweem Arts Festival - 8 August 2024

Forty one members and guests boarded the coach in Edinburgh for our fourth and final outing of 2024 hoping the weather would be better than the predicted rain showers. We collected another member in Inverkeithing and headed to Dobbies at the Dunfermline Retail Park for our coffee stop. Our final member joined us there.

We reached Pittenweem in good time but discovered that the coach parking place was actually in Anstruther at Waid Academy. After heading back to Pittenweem, we were dropped off (I won’t say where as there were parking restrictions!).

There were so many venues to visit so we headed off in small groups at our own pace. Liz had brought her copy of the Festival programme and suggested that it was a good buy.

As the weather held, we were able to explore at our leisure. Everyone was back on the coach in good time to head off for our tea.

We were on our way to the Upper Largo Hotel when the rain started. By the size of the puddles the coach hit on the road side it had been very wet. The portions at the hotel were large and the food was tasty.

All too soon it was time to head home. By this time the rain was very heavy but it had stopped by the time we reached Edinburgh.

Walk 289 - Aberdour to Burntisland - July 2024

On a hot summer’s day, I know it’s hard to believe, twelve Strollers met at Aberdour railway station to walk along the Fife coastal path to Burntisland.

Setting off down Shore Road we went to the harbour admiring the golden sands, lovely views out to Inchcolm and back across the Forth to Edinburgh. Crossing the Dour Burn we headed off along the path towards Hawkcraig and turned up Dougals Road, which had been built, using pick, shovel and dynamite, by a resident in the 70s to give better access to the houses there.

From here we went through the car park down to Silver Sands and a stop for ‘brunch’ at the nice cafe there. Being the school holidays the beach was thronged with families and school parties. The good weather was obviously bringing everyone out.

We re-joined the path looking out for seals basking, with no joy, as we walked and along to the Starley Burn Waterfall. The odd colour of the rocks is due to the lime content of the water. Continuing along the path to Burntisland we passed all the new housing occupying what was once the site of the Alcan aluminium works. We turned right up the hill to Rossend Castle, then it was down through the old town gate passing the site of the Burntisland Shipyard, which now deals with undersea cables, and into the High Street.

Time for a coffee or ice cream and then back home to enjoy the rest of the sunshine, or take in the funfair on the links. 

Thanks to Drew for the walk and hoping the weather is as good next time.

 

Outing to Mellerstain - 10 July 2024

We weren’t doing a long distance trip this month so the bus load of 35 left at the later time of 10am. A last minute change of venue had to be made a Thirlestane Castle cancelled. Barbara persuaded the organiser at Mellerstain to let us visit on a day they would normally be closed.

Because Mellerstain is in the same area we stopped as planned at Carfraemill for coffee and ‘the best scones ever!’. The girls there were friendly and efficient so we kept to our time schedule.

On to Mellerstain with David, our driver, squeezing the bus through the gate without a scratch on the bus. The two guides, Jill and Morag, welcomed us and we split into two groups. One group visited the gardens for half an hour before their tour.

We had been to Mellerstain in 2012 so many folk had never been before. Even with a return visit we all found the house beautiful. Both guides are knowledgeable and entertaining so our tour (an hour and a half) flew by. Some people had difficulty with the stairs but braved them right to the top. It was worth it.

At 2pm we travelled on to Kelso where we all spread out for a little shopping or whatever! 

We arrived at the Stair Arms Hotel in time to settle in a lovely dining room before high tea was served at 5pm. The staff there were also friendly and efficient. We enjoyed our meal and there was plenty laughter in the room. 

Our drive back home was lovely because the weather was still good. We did notice, however, that Edinburgh had been washed again while we had our superb day out in the Borders. 

Walk 288 - Innerleithen to Peebles - June 2024

Twelve Strollers met in Innerleithen to walk back along the old railway line to Peebles. Some of them went to Caldwells first to get an ice-cream before the walk claiming they would walk it off!

Given the forecast was for rain later in the day we hoped to finish before it came. However just as we reached the wooden bridge at Cardrona it started to drizzle and the quickly disappearing hills made it look as if we were in for a downpour. Luckily, by the time we walked through Cardrona to stop for a lunch break at the bus stop and site of the old railway station, it had cleared up. The station used to be a cafe but Covid and roadworks seemed to put an end to it. It’s up for sale so if anyone fancies a place for a little holiday cottage then it can be yours.

From here we passed Cardrona golf course, which was playing host to a Tartan Tour event, and also watched the sand martins going in and out of the their nests in the embankment of the river. We passed the woods at Eshiels and went through the old tunnel. It has been resurfaced, had lighting and even bat sensors added. Some thought the slope seemed a bit steeper than the level 1 which had been stated, but that’s only because we normally do the walk in the other direction.

Then it was on past Janet's Brae, which was being made ready for a cycling championship this weekend, and finishing in Peebles with time for a bite to eat before heading home.

Hopefully the weather will be as kind on the next walk.

Our thanks to Drew for organising. 

 

Outing to Hill House and Helensburgh - 3 June 2024

On a much better morning than on our May outing, 51 members and their guests headed off to Dobbies Livingston for our coffee stop. We collected another member there.

We made good time heading to Helensburgh and only seemed to be held up by one set of temporary lights on a narrow stretch of the A82. (This contrasted with the problems and delays some of our number met with coming in from the west of Edinburgh.)

As there were a fair number of folk already exploring the House, we were asked to spend some time in the gardens, cafe or exploring inside the blanket and metal frame covering and protecting the House. The Scottish weather has taken its toll on the building over the years. It was a lovely day to be strolling round the gardens. The inside of the House was interesting, albeit not to everyone's taste.

We then had an hour to have a wander round Helensburgh. Some just wandered while others found refreshment possibilities. Something to be aware of if you go back - the toilets in the railway station are for train ticket holders only!

Our high tea was at the Rosslea Hall hotel in Rhu. We had our meal in a lovely bright room. The hot food was freshly cooked and the scones were warm.

Here's a link to the photos which Drew took :- https://photos.app.goo.gl/968Rcv5hFafegp2k9

Let's hope we have as good weather next month.

Outing to Alnwick Castle 6 May 2024

Forty nine pensioners met on a gey wet and misty Monday morning for our first outing of the year to Alnwick Castle.

Our coffee stop was at Eyemouth Golf Club where we should have had lovely views over the coast but the haar was down obscuring any view.

At Alnwick Castle we made our way round the Castle at leisure. There were many historical artefacts in the various buildings. It was lovely to see current family photos as well as paintings. Here again our views over the local countryside were obscured by fog. There was an opportunity to try broomstick flying lessons with one of the members of staff but I don’t think any of us were tempted! The Castle has connections with the Harry Potter books and films.

High Tea was at the Blue Bell Hotel in Belford. Dessert was on the menu this time. We did cause some confusion as the hotel thought that only one decaf tea and two decaf coffees were to be provided nothing for anyone else.

By the time we were traveling home, the fog had lifted and we manages to see the sea.

Walk 287 - Tranent Circle - May 2024

Thirteen Strollers met up for the Silver anniversary of the Strollers for a walk at Tranent. 1999 when it all began seems a long time ago but I’m sure when I was younger I used to watch the programme ‘Space 1999’ which seemed a long way in the future!

We met up in the High Street by the statue of Jackie Crookston commemorating the ‘Massacre of Tranent’ in 1797 in which 12 people were killed by the militia who were brought in to quell protests about conscription. From there we set off towards the Elphinstone Road and crossed over it and followed the shale path past a couple of ‘sink’ holes, reminders of the long mining history of Tranent dating back to the 13th century.

Following the path back up to meet the road again we then turned to follow the path to Fa’side Castle. Once a ruin it was restored at the end

of the 1970s and completed in 1982 by the Craig family guided by the author Nigel Tranter and the Restoration Society he had set up.

We didn’t see the ghost of the ‘green lady’ as we passed by. She died when the castle was attacked and fired by the English in 1547 and is said to roam the castle.

From here we followed the road and path back to Tranent but because of the haze we didn’t see much of the views as we might have done, the ‘Kingdom of Fife’ was lost as were views of Berwick Law and the Bass Rock. You can’t trust Scottish weather even though it was a nice day for a walk.

Thanks to Drew for the walk and hopefully the weather will be as kind for the next walk to Peebles.

Walk 286 - Balerno to Slateford along the Water of Leith - April 2024

On a surprisingly dry and fairly sunny day thirteen Strollers met up at Balerno High School entrance to stroll along the Water of Leith walkway to the Water of Leith centre at Slateford. Some even had time for a quick bite in the breakout café at the rugby club before the walk.

Now that the pathway has a proper surface to it there were no more puddles to wade through or holes to try and avoid, though there were lots of donations left by horses and the occasional cyclist to avoid.

The path follows the route of the old Edinburgh to Balerno railway line which closed in 1967, though by then it was just a freight service. It benefitted us as it made a very nice flat walk. We passed the sites of some of the mills which used to line the Water of Leith and for whom the railway had kept running, like the Kinnauld Leather Mill and the Kinleith Paper Mill which had been there since the early 18th century. Flats and houses seem to be the new industry on these sites.

We stopped at Spylaw Park for a lunch break where we were joined by Ken B who had taken a wrong turn to catch up with us. This seemed to take in Glasgow, Perth and Glasgow again before joining us for lunch. Something about the piping needed fixed. He then went home for a rest. While in the park, we took the time to admire the house that used to be the home of James Gillespie who had snuff factories on the river. It’s now flats.

We then passed through the Colinton Tunnel with its painted walls reflecting the diversity of the area and the well-known people who lived here.

Finally, finishing at the Water of Leith Centre with most Strollers braving the walk over the aqueduct where it was time for a well-earned coffee or tea.

Thanks very much to Alistair B for arranging the walk and the lovely weather.

Hopefully the next one will be as dry!

 

Walk 285 - New Town Authors - March 2024

Twenty seven Strollers met up at the side of the Guildford Arms to hear about the authors who frequented this area of the New Town.

We met on what at one time was the site of the Ambrose Tavern where Christopher North (John Wilson) as well as James Hogg used to meet. We could also look at the Balmoral Hotel where JK Rowling finished her Harry Potter books. Moving on, we stopped to look at the Scott Monument and then into St Andrew Square one time home of David Hume. We then went on into Multrees Walk, named for the Mulberry trees that once grew there in an attempt to produce silk, and from there to Picardy Place named for the families who came over from France to weave the silk that had been produced.

Down into Albany Street with its many authors including Mary Brunton and Susan Ferrier, as well as Catherine Hogarth who married Charles Dickens then onto Heriot Row to look at the house where RL Stevenson was brought up. The family who now own it are great fans and even have a model of a lighthouse in the window in reference to the Stevenson family lighthouse designers and builders. Next we went up to George Street where the publisher Blackwood was based as well as bookshops such as Thins.

We finished up in Rose Street at Milnes Bar which once hosted Hugh MacDiarmid, Sorley MacLean, and Norman MacCaig. Not forgetting the Abbotsford, named after Sir Walter Scott’s home.

I’ve probably missed a lot of other names off like Ian Rankin etc. but my head can only cope with so much information!

Our thanks to our guides Karen and Helen.

Walk 284 - Historic Walk Morningside - February 2024

After all the rain and winds of the previous days it was nice to meet on a reasonably sunny day for a walk round Morningside. Twenty eight Strollers met at Holy Corner to be entertained by our guides Karen and Helen.

Named Holy Corner because of the churches at each street corner, we heard about the ‘disruption’ of the Church of Scotland in 1843 when 450 ministers left and formed the Free Church. The new moderator of this church, Thomas Chalmers, was appointed in Tanfield Hall long before SLAC moved there. We moved on to the small area of John Livingstone’s Tomb and from there to the old stop for the trams at the end of Strathearn Road, then took in St Bennet’s Church and the Archbishop’s house where Popes have stayed on their visits to Scotland.

Moving on to Morningside House, sometime home to author Susan Ferrier, we viewed the flats where the Woodcroft telephone exchange once stood. Passing Thomas Chalmer’s house, where he held services until a church was built, we visited the Churchill Theatre, previously a church, with its sculptures outside depicting the local areas and working life. From there we headed to Cuddy Lane, beside the old Schoolhouse, so called as that’s where the horses and ponies were tied up when dropping the children off at school. On the way we passed the site of Falcon House, now flats, where the impressive gate posts were taken away and are now at the entrance to the zoo.

Some people also reminisced about their time at the Plaza dance hall as we made our way to the ‘Wild West’, passing the site of the Spring Valley cinema which then became the Silver Slipper nightclub. The Wild West was built as an advertising feature for a nineties furniture store. The western facades include a trading station, saloon, jail and a cantina (which is actually the fire door for Morningside Library.)

We finished our walk in the car park of the Merlin where Smithy's and other small businesses used to be.

Our thanks to Karen and Helen for all the interesting facts, too many to put here.

Fingers crossed for similar weather for the next walk in March.