The Rhinns of Kells

Today I went with Ally, Cat and James on their hill-walking trip to the Rhinns of Kells in the Galloway Hills. It was a really big day’s walking, about ten hours over eight Donalds and one Corbett, with nearly 30 km distance. Needless to say I wasn’t fit enough for this but my presence was useful because it was a linear walk and after being dropped off near to Carsphairn our intrepid walkers need to be picked up at the other end of their route. This was at Forrest Estate, which is set in a beautiful valley. Once I had waved them off I set off to explore the nearest village; St Johns Town of Dalry. This didn’t take long because it’s very small, but it’s also very pretty so I had a nice walk around and a coffee sitting outside the Clachan Inn. 

I then drove to the pick up point at Forrest Lodge and after double checking that I was in the right place (using OS Maps on my phone) I went for a walk along one of several paths through the trees and up the side of the hill. I stopped for a rest and sat on the stump of a felled tree; the wood was lovely and warm from the sun! Back at the car I read my book for a while; the time flew by until James, Ally and Cat arrived back from their big day on the hills, tired but happy. 

We picked up a curry on the way home, ordered by Cat on the journey. Both Cat and James were determined to pay for it, but after their walk and the car journey their legs were very stiff, so Ally and I were treated to the sight of them both hobbling as fast as they could towards the door Spice restaurant - it was very funny! Cat won because James had forgotten his face mask and she very generously treated us to our curry. Davie and Chanel had arrived in Cambuslang late afternoon. They were spending the night with us before heading north on their holiday. A jolly evening of curry and chat ensued.