A Snowy Walk in the Ochils

When James, Davie and I were collected from the Main Street by coach just after nine this morning it was cold and damp, it didn't seem very encouraging weather for our hill-walking club MInce Pies outing. While we stood waiting for the bus a lady walked past and paused to complain to me that she had mistaken the time and would not be able to buy her "carry out" for another hour. She explained that this was inconvenient because she had had her last drink an hour ago. I commiserated with her as best I could. Soon we were on our way and stopped for breakfast in a cafe in Bridge of Allan. There was a good turnout and Heather (from the club, not Heather B) had organised the whole day beautifully; not only had she planned the route and arranged where we would have our refreshments at either end, she had baked reindeer biscuits and made a Christmas cake in the shape of a cottage, the detail on it was amazing. We were then dropped off at Blairlogie at the edge of the Ochil Hills. One group including James and David "took the high road" up to the top of Dumyat, and the rest of us "took the low road" by circumnavigating Dumyat then heading northwards. Both routes converged shortly before arriving at the Sheriffmuir Inn. What an amazing walk! We set off in sunshine; there was a light dusting of snow on the hills and it looked very picturesque. Then it started snowing lightly - even more picturesque, and we opined to each other how we felt as though we were walking along in scenery reminiscent of a Christmas card. Then the sky darkened and the snow got heavier and soon we were struggling along in blizzard conditions, it was a whiteout and became bone-chillingly cold. Lunch took place beneath some trees beside the path - we didn't linger! Later the snow stopped and we crunched along in snow that was at least a couple of inches deep, there was even a little bit of blue sky again. Five different types of weather in one day, that's the joy of walking in the Scottish hills! After about three hours we spied the welcome sight of the white painted Sheriffmuir Inn, standing solitary ahead. We had our Christmas celebration which was great fun; Steven was a brilliant Santa for the second year running - he said he was more relaxed this year because last year he was a "Santa Virgin". All the wee children had a great time and Davie, as the oldest "child"  got a big cheer when he good-naturedly went up for his present! The adults all got presents too as well as mince pies and mulled wine. After a hearty chorus of "Jingle Bells" it was time to get back on the bus; the driver was understandably a bit nervous about the weather conditions. When we got home there was no snow at all, hard to believe after our wintry walk. What a good weekend we have had - a really good evening with Alison and Hugh yesterday and a healthy walk today. And the weekend is not yet over - James and I will shortly be going to a Kate Rusby concert at the concert hall - let's hope we don't get snowed in!