Strollers Walk No. 222 - Wednesday 18th October 2017, Roslin to Straiton

Walk No. 222      Roslin to Straiton
Date:                   Wednesday 18th October 2017
Distance:             5 miles approximately
Summary:           Eighteen Strollers met up in Roslin on a dreich and dull October Wednesday to walk along the old Edinburgh, Loanhead & Roslin railway line to Straiton. Given the weather we decided not to go through the woods as it would have been a bit squelchy and we didn’t want to perpetuate the myth that we only did walks with muddy paths. Setting out along Manse Road Andy regaled us with tales of Roslin from his youth, we think this was just to prove his memory was still there and that doing a ‘spin’ class hadn’t exhausted him totally.
As we strolled along, we passed the site where Dolly the sheep had been born and bred before becoming a display at the Museum of Scotland. Further on we stopped for a look at the monument to the Battle of Roslin which occurred in 1303. It's not quite clear whether this was a 'real' battle or an ambush of an English supply train. The 'romantic' view is that it was a fight over a woman, Lady Margaret Ramsey of Dalhousie, but the numbers involved vary from about 1500 to over 30,000. If the latter, more might be known about it. We then made our way onto Bilston viaduct. Passenger services over the viaduct ended in 1933 but coal traffic to Roslin Colliery continued to pass over it until June 1969. The central span is 140 feet up from the ground below and we’re sure if it hadn’t been misty we would have had some nice views! It was renovated in 1999 as part of the opening up of the cycleway at a cost of £1.5 million. Passing through Loanhead where coal was mined from around 1685, with a paper mill, in the valley of the River North Esk to the south of the town, commencing in 1742. Unfortunately none of these industries exist anymore. Loanhead is probably most famous for being the home of Alex Young the Hearts, Everton and Scotland forward.
Continuing on we made our way to Straiton Pond which is now a Local Nature Reserve. For over a century the pond was a working clay pit, supplying local brickworks with blue clay. The reserve has changed a good deal since the last clay was extracted, and is now a pretty and peaceful spot for a picnic, stroll or bird watch, but not today.
We finished the walk at Straiton Retail Park. Thanks to Drew for arranging yet another walk for us. Let’s hope for better weather in November.

Strollers Walk No. 221 - Tuesday 12th September 2017, Burntisland to Kilkcaldy

Walk No. 221     Burntisland to Kirkcaldy on the Fife Coastal Path
Distance:            5 miles (if using buses) or up to 6.8 miles (if only using train)
Eighteen Strollers met up at Burntisland Links to walk the Fife Coastal Path to Kirkcaldy. Some came by car and some by train, though a couple of those on the train were too busy talking and ignored the announcement for Burntisland. They had to get off at Kinghorn and come back again. Luckily one of them had bought a ticket to Kinghorn anyway, though it was supposed to be to Kirkcaldy to allow for the journey home!
Having timed the walk to allow for the tide being out, we set off underneath the railway and on to the beach at the end of the esplanade to walk along the rather rocky section at the end of Burntisland. Wellington boots would have been an idea as us tail enders could have gone out a little further and just walked over the sand, even though there were still some pockets of water in dips. Passing the large Pettycur Caravan site where many people from Edinburgh used to holiday, we made our way along the beach to Pettycur Harbour, which at one time was a ferry link to Leith and Newhaven before a deeper harbour was built at Burntisland. Working our way up the hill from the harbour and on to Kinghorn, where we stopped at some picnic tables for a bite of lunch. Wilson however went the whole hog and decided on the healthy walker’s option of chips and beans followed by a scone at a local cafe! We passed the lifeboat station, where SL’s Mr Tulloch followed a long tradition of his sailing family by starting off manning the lifeboat to becoming Chairman and getting an MBE for his services.
Leaving Kinghorn we worked our way along the path towards Kirkcaldy seeing butterflies and gold Finches, then managing to see about 20 seals sunning themselves on the rocks below, as well as a few herons and cormorants in addition to the seagulls. Heading on past the ruins of Seafield Tower, built in the 16th century and believed to have been 5 stories high, we made our way along to Seafield. Passing the remains of the World War 2 sea wall where Mr Sharp used to spend time in his youth we finished our walk and headed for trains or buses.
Thanks to Alistair for ensuring the tide was out, the weather was good and for arranging a lovely walk. Can we be that lucky next time in October?

Outing to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum - Thursday 21st September 2017

On Thursday 21^st September, we had a very successful final outing for 2017, when 58 pensioners departed from a wet Edinburgh on the Big bus. We had a leisurely coffee stop at the Mackinnon Mills near Coatbridge, where we all had time for some retail therapy. We then travelled on to Glasgow to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, arriving in time for the half hour Organ recital at 1pm. The Organist played a variety of music including songs from the musicals.
Although we ended up with a lovely sunny day in Glasgow the wind was quite cold and with so much to see at Kelvingrove we did not venture elsewhere. The bus driver was lucky as he was able to park at Kelvingrove for the whole time we were there, so it was an easy departure to Grangemouth for High Tea. This was at the Leapark Hotel and most said they thought it was one of the best yet. Thanks to everyone involved in organising our summer coach outings this year.

Strollers Walk No. 220 - Thursday 17th August 2017, Earlston Circular Walk

Walk No. 220:    Earlston Circular
Date:                 Thursday 17th August 2017
Started at:         The War Memorial, Earlston
Summary:         On a warm and sunny day where the temperatures soared to 21 degrees nineteen Strollers met up for this walk. Leaving Earlston and going up a hill which gave views back over the village and to the Black Hill, Ruberslaw and the Eildons. Following the path down into Carolside Woods where Moira lived up to her reputation and people were heard calling her name, Muddy Moira, at least I think that’s what they were saying. The previous day’s heavy rain had made some bits of the path slightly damp to say the least.
At one point we had a nice view of the Park Bridge where we were to stop for a break. Then it was time to head down and cross the A68 into the trees on the other side, down to the Leader Water and over the first suspension bridge which everyone took great joy in bouncing their way across. As usual having got down it was time to go back up. I don’t remember Moira mentioning all these steps in the description. Then down to Park Bridge for a view of Carolside House, which is a late-18th-century category B listed building and is set in a former deer park. The grounds have a Historical Collection of ancient roses including a National Collection of pre-1900 Gallica roses and are open to the public in July each year. While at the bridge kingfishers were spotted as well as fish jumping in the water. Back on the trail passing Clackmae farm with its herd of Holstein cows, to the next suspension bridge where we failed to spot the sign that said 4 people at a time! Possibly a little more bouncy than it should have been.
Our thanks to Moira for arranging the walk and the glorious weather.

Email addresses are being returned "Undelivered"

If you previously had an email address from Orange, Wanadoo, Freeserve, FSNet, etc., you will hopefully be aware that EE have shut down all these email systems as of 31st May 2017. You will have been forced to register with an alternative email provider and create a new email address. You will need to advise the Association of your new email address in order to continue to receive our emails. 
Unfortunately we are now getting a significant number of emails being returned as "Undelivered", because we have not been advised of your new email address.
 If you are affected, please get in touch with us at sl.pensioners.association@gmail.com and let us know your new email address, thanks.

Outing to Inchcolm Abbey on the Maid of the Forth - Wednesday 23rd August 2017

The fourth of our Summer Outings was held on Wednesday 23rd August, when 32 members made the trip on the Maid of the Forth from South Queensferry to Inchcolm island.  After braving the parking area that was Waterloo Place, thanks to diversions for traffic at Easter Road/Abbeyhill starting earlier than was stated and problems with traffic lights, the coach travelled from Edinburgh stopping for coffee at Dobbie's near Livingston. This included a tour round the roundabout as Robbie the driver got confused by his sat-nav. It was then on to South Queensferry and boarding  the ‘Maid of the Forth’ for our trip out to Inchcolm Island. Time for seal spotting on the way, with plenty time on the island to admire the Abbey and explore the old fortifications from the two World Wars. Returning back on the boat under all three bridges with opportunities to take photos of seals on marker buoys as well as getting some great views of the bridges from different angles.

Some people stayed on in South Queensferry for tea but the rest returned to Edinburgh and the on-going congestion.
Thanks to those who organised the outing and made it an enjoyable day as well as arranging a lovely day and calm water.

Please note: Many emails to members are now being returned "Undelivered", due to the closure by EE of several email systems. Please contact our mailbox at sl.pensioners.association@gmail.com if you have changed your email address.

Strollers Walk No. 219 - Tuesday 18th July 2017, Ratho Canal Walk

Walk No. 219:   Union Canal walk from Ratho
Distance:           5 miles approximately

Start at:             Ratho Bridge Inn
Finish at:           Ratho Brisge Inn
Summary:        
On a hot sunny day nineteen Strollers met up at Ratho Bridge for a walk along the Edinburgh and Glasgow Union Canal led by Ronnie. The canal runs for 32 miles from Edinburgh to Falkirk where it joins the Forth and Clyde Canal as part of the original trading link between the two cities but we weren’t going to walk all that way, well not today! The bushes and brambles had grown a lot since Ronnie had first checked the walk, so many places were done in single file. We passed the base for the Seagull Trust which provides boat trips for the disabled and then the Ratho Adventure Centre. The Adventure Centre was built inside a disused quarry and has the largest indoor climbing walls in the UK. Walking parallel to the M8 for a little bit, which made that part of the walk quite noisy, we passed the island in the middle of the canal with its ‘toy’ fort all set to repel boarders. We made our way to the valley of the River Almond and the magnificent 1821 Lin’s Mill Aqueduct. William Lin was the last man in Scotland to die from the plague in 1645. The Aqueduct is the highest structure of its type in Scotland and the 3^rd highest in Britain. We headed down the stairs, under the canal and back up the other side to sit in the sun and have some lunch. It was a bit remiss of Ronnie not to arrange for a barge or two to moor so we could step over rather than go down and up, as happened the last time we were here. The views from the aqueduct were amazing. We sat and ate lunch while barges passed and a canoe paddled by. All too soon it was time to start back via Clifton Road and then back down to the canal and return to Ratho.
Well done to Ian for lasting the walk, although a bit hot and wet from the heat, and our thanks to Ronnie for organising such a flat walk on a very hot sunny day.
Let’s hope for similar weather in August, though slightly cooler would be good.

Outing to Drunlanrig Castle and Gardens - Monday 10th July 2017

Our third coach outing of 2017 will be on Monday 10th July, when we have a full day trip to Drumlanrig Castle and Gardens, near Thornhill in Dunfriesshire. Details of this outing have now been sent to members, either by email or post. Bookings and payment reuqire to be returned by Friday 23rd June (full booking details are on the form sent with details).

Please note: High tea will be at the Buccleuch Hotel in Moffat (not Kelso as was in the original details).

Strollers Walk No. 218 - Wednesday 21st June 2017, Peebles to Eddlestone

Walk No. 218:    Peebles to Eddlestone
Date:                Wednesday 21st June 2017
Distance:          6 miles approximately
Start at:           Edinburgh Road Car Park, Peebles
Finish at:         Horseshoe Inn, Eddlestone

Sixteen Strollers, and one hanger-on, met on a day that was forecast for rain, thunder and lightning to walk from Peebles to Eddlestone via the old Drovers Road. As it turned out everyone was a bit wet when the walk finished but this was due to the heat and the energy used on the hill that was supposed to only be a quarter of a mile long. Someone needs to get a better measuring stick. Thankfully we had no thunder or rain at all, despite the forecast.
As we walked from the car park to Standalone Farm to start our walk we passed houses decorated for the Beltane week and our hanger-on pointed out whose house they belonged to and also where she played as a child. It’s amazing how good her memory is and how cheeky she is, as she then borrowed a phone from someone cutting their grass just to check where we were on the walk! She left us at the start of the hill which many later described as an astute move. Eventually at the crest of the hill we had lovely views back down to Peebles and the hills beyond.
Stopping for lunch break allowed everyone to get their breath back and cool down a little before crossing a field to walk down the farm track to join up with the Eddlestone to Lyne Road, where we were followed and stared at by a herd of cows who were obviously bemused by a group walking in such heat. Joining up again with the Drovers Road we made our way along to Eddlestone passing through fields of sheep and then down past Bunny Corner and the house with guard geese and ducks on the way to Barony Castle Hotel, where the Polish troops were stationed during the war. Some people stopped there to go for lunch while others went to look at the Great Polish Map of Scotland, while the rest of

us made our way down the hill passing the llama’s on our way to catch a bus back to Peebles.
With immaculate timing, we got to the bus stop just in time for the bus, which took 5 minutes to get us back to where we started the walk 3 hours earlier! At least it didn’t rain.
Thanks to Drew for another great route, but everyone is looking forward to a flat canal walk in July!

Outing to Ford and Etal Estates on Friday 9th June 2017

The second of our summer outings was to Ford and Etal Estates in Northumberland on Friday 8th June. 39 of us left Waterloo Place, Edinburgh by coach and made our way through the borders to the village of Etal. There we all boarded the little train from Etal along the banks of the River Till to Heatherslaw. On arrival, we were met by an estate guide who directed some of us to the tea-room and the rest for a guided tour of the working Cornmill. The two groups then swapped over, so that everyone had a chance to visit both venues at Heatherslaw. We then rejoined our coach for the short journey to Ford Village, where we had a chance to visit The Lady Waterford Hall and also stroll around the pretty village in a warm and pleasant afternoon. High tea was at 4:30pm at The Cross Keys Hotel in Kelso, before we retuned to Edinburgh by mid-evening. Many thanks to Liz for arranging this outing.

Strollers Walk No. 217 - Monday 22nd May 2017, Mouse Water Lanark

Walk No. 217:  Mouse Water, Lanark
Date:               Monday 22nd May 2017
Distance:         5.5 miles approximately, if omitting New Lanark
Duration:          2 to 3 hours
Start at:           Lanark town centre, in middle of High Street
Summary: On a wet Monday morning, 14 Strollers met outside Costa Coffee in Lanark for this walk. After some discussion and borrowing of umbrellas, we set off down the High Street. In less than 10 minutes the rain stopped and never returned for the rest of the walk. We arrived at Mouse Water and followed the path via Cartland Craigs to then cross the A73 and descend to Mousemill Old Bridge. We crossed the Clyde on the "new" (1959) bridge at Clydesholm then back over the "old" (1694-1699) bridge to join the Clyde Valley Walkway. Arriving at Castlebank House and Park, we stopped a snack in the sunshine. A couple of walkers then headed uphill back to town while the rest of us rejoined the walkway and continued to New Lanark. There, the toilets and cafe were popular, but not as popular as the local bus that several of us used to return up the hill to Lanark Centre. Many thanks to John and Janice for arranging this walk.