Killin, The Trossachs ~ 10th - 17th May 2022

So we moved on from Melrose up to Killin, in The Trossachs National Park. Unfortunately the weather isn't looking too good for the week, and even as we arrived, it just started to rain. However, that didn't stop us meeting up for a happy hour and also to celebrate Val's birthday.

Wednesday morning we all went for a walk through the town and out along the old railway line and then along the loch, following this through to the woods and then back round in a loop to the campsite. By this time it was raining quite a bit. So we gathered together in the afternoon and played Mexican Trains. We had three tables consisting of 3 teams per table. Steve and I won on our table. 


Thursday morning was a bit wet, so we decided to pop into town for lunch and then head off to walk up Creag Bhuidhe.  Of course, no sooner had we got to the woods after a very steep walk up, it started raining again. However, we continued with this walk. The climb after the woods, was still rather steep and boggy in parts. Eventually we reached the summit which gave us glorious view all around. The worse part was coming down. It was a very enjoyable walk and thankfully we didn't get too wet in the end.



Friday, Steve and I walked through the Achmore Woods, which followed the loch for some way. I've got to say, I've never heard so many cuckoos as I have since we've been here in Scotland. Also, bluebells in abundance, with a lovely scent to them too. Later we all gathered and had Mexican Trains part II. This time, Steve and I lost to the new teams that we played. Part III will be the finale.  It's nearly as exciting as The Eurovision Song Content 😀


Saturday saw, Bob, Tina, Steve and I do a Munro, the first of our trip. Will there be others, who knows. Anyhow, Bob drove us to the starting point, and from there on, we walked and then climbed and climbed and climbed. It was exhilarating and steep. Once we reached the summit, again, we got fantastic views all around us. As it was the weekend and a nice day too, it was quite busy. The atmosphere was very jolly, everyone chatting as we passed each other and offering words of encouragement.

Once we had reached the bottom of Ben Lawers, Bob took us to a little cafe/shop/post office sort of place, in the middle of nowhere over looking a loch. It was lovely and peaceful here. And the best thing was, the sun kept shinning. We were all very happy and satisfied with our achievement. Oh the tea and cake was lovely too. A nice added bonus for us.






In the evening, it was the Mexican Trains finale. The competition has been great fun, and it has also given us a chance to relax with other members of the ICA that we've not really had much chance too. It also makes us aware of those that are very competitive like us 😄. And hey, we didn't win, but we did do well in the overall ratings and won ourselves a stunning ICA tea towel. Wow, we certainly know how to party 😆

Sunday Steve and I cycled to Kenmore, following the loch all the way. It was a tough cycle ride as it was very hilly, continually going up and then down for all 17 miles. This is red squirrel country and we saw sign after sign warning you to go slowly as they were about. We couldn't go any slower than we already were. However, Steve was rewarded with a red squirrel running along the road in front of him before it disappeared up a tree. I unfortunately was too late to see it. Kenmore  is a lovely village at the end of the loch. Again as it was a nice day, it was busy with people picnicking around the shore. We stopped for a light lunch. Now the decision, do we go back the way we came, which quite frankly killed me, or go back along the main road, busy and an unknown entity. After discussions with a couple of locals and some cyclists, we opted for the main road, which really wasn't that busy at all and ended with us having a lovely long gentle downhill cycle into Killin. 

Monday was a total washout. We played Mexican Trains again in the afternoon and then in the evening, 6 of us went out to dinner. As we were driving to the restaurant, we saw a hare cross in front of us and stop up the track to the right of us. A most enjoyable meal, not the hare that is. Tomorrow we head off to Malvich up in the Highlands. Fingers crossed for better weather.

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