Dunkeld - Friday 11 June

Well, what a beautiful, hot day we had at a town I had never really explored before.  We started out at the car park, and waited for those who had a longer journey, to arrive.

Then we set off, and then Rhoda realised she had not put a parking ticket on her car!  This was after she had realised she only had one sock with her, but luckily found a pop-sock to put on the other foot.

Faye, Jean D's friend who was visiting from Australia, was super-equipped, as she had just walked England's coast to coast walk, on an organised trip with her Australian friends.

Very soon along the path we reached the Cathedral, which is beautifully kept and , is set alongside the river, so is very peaceful.  After some explored the inside of the Cathedral we meandered along the pathway, stopping briefly to watch some sheep shearers at work.  We assumed they are a travelling group of shearers, as the pens which led the sheep up to the shearing platform were on wheels.  The fleeces were rather large and the sacks they were put into were huge blocks of plastic.

We found the famous Parent Larch which is said to have produced the seeds for larches on landed estates, for centuries.

Eventually, we found ourselves at the Dunkeld Hilton where we decided to stop for a 'morning coffee.'  Well, the size of the coffee cups - they were as big as soup bowls!  And, all served on the patio, overlooking a rolling lawn, leading down to the river again.  We hopefully didn't disturb the fishermen there - they looked so peaceful. We were provided with a map by a young man who, we all agreed, we would be quite happy for our daughter to bring home - he was really pleasant and helpful.  When we left there, several of us were waiting for others who, we thought, had gone to look at the marquee, however, a mobile phone call revealed they were in fact up the hill, and waiting for us!

But, the maps didn't do us much good.  As we climbed up to see the King's View, we couldn't find it, or which way we should be headed - what a laugh, we were lost!  But common sense prevailed and we just made our way downwards, back toward the hotel, and re-traced our steps back to the path.  This time we walked on the lower path, next to the river and just enjoyed the sun, peace and good company.  Thanks ladies!

I didn't take my camera, and others have been busy or unwell, but I'll add pictures as they reach me.

** FRIDAY 18 JUNE's walk **

Slight change in timings - we are going to The Hermitage, MAP here and we'll meet in the 

HERMITAGE CAR PARK at 10 o'clock.

However, there will be a meeting place at The Shop at 9.30 am for the usual transport

There is nowhere for coffee, cakes or lunch, so please bring some with you.