|
We only had three explorers on this trip, Isobel, Jan Hendrik
and Ruby, but they had enough enthusiasm and effort for a
big expedition. There were four helpers, Andy, Maureen, Peter
and Philippa, with Ellie and Toby finding the path when there
weren't any sticks to fetch.
We started by walking round Kentra Bay to the power station,
stopping on the way to look at a big group of widgeon through
the binoculars. I had planned to go up the Gorten burn to
see the ash trees but there was too much water for us to get
across so we went into the old woods around Gorten House.
They had a quick look at the house, which is the same design
as Salen Hotel, before walking up the forestry track. We saw
a fox hound on the far side of the ravine but there was no
way through the fence for it to reach us or us it. Just past
the forest gate I spotted a deer track on a good path leading
up through the sitka plantation and we followed it to see
where it went.
It must have been an old path to a croft on the hill before
the forestry was planted. At the top we found some stone walls
and we were able to cross the fence where a tree had fallen
on it. On the other side was a nice flat green patch with
the river below and a huge waterfall in front. We stopped
here for our wafers, and a photograph.
I had intended to follow the track up into the wood and join
the Singing Sands track at the top, but somehow we missed
the turning and found ourselves heading south again. We were
all tired and wet by this time so we cut our losses and walked
back down the hill we had climbed and got back to the cars
as fast as we could. There were some sunny spells but it was
generally a wet walk and the two girls were too wet to go
to the Pantry so only Jan Hendrik was able to draw a picture,
it showed the waterfall and the group.
John
Dye
|
|
