Day 11 Killin

After a good night's sleep I can describe the day yesterday Tuesday May 26. I hiked up the small mountain above town starting from Breadalbane Park. It was harder than I thought it was going to be. The trail went straight up rather than switch backing. The day was gorgeous- sunny and 70°. I had bought a short sleeved tee shirt at the Outdoor Store and sun cream at the chemist's before starting up, would have been sweltering in my long sleeve smart wool (who knew there would be a heat wave in Scotland?).
Slow and steady is my motto 🐢so I plodded up, thankfully a young family on holiday showed up right when I couldn't figure out a complicated 2 step gate lock. Then they vanished, ah to be that energetic! I am facing the fact that I can't just scramble up mountains as agilely as I once did! Upward and onward, stopping every 10 steps or so to catch my breath and take in the stunning views. Came to the first summit in a saddle before the highest rocky outcrop, found a rock to lean against and had a snack. Decided to try for the higher summit and trudged on, the trail becoming fainter. Got to just below the rocky summit, saw the young family perched up there sunning, decided to let them have it. Took in the view for a while and started down.
Lost the trail entirely and commenced on a 2 hour overland adventure of bushwhacking my way through bracken and bog, surprising a few sheep. Kept thinking- the town is just down there, I can see it! Kept heading in a downhill direction and eventually found a farm track and came out .6 miles east of town, a fairly easy walk back. It was interesting to get so lost on what seemed like a pretty straightforward short hike! But my rudimentary navigation skills came to the rescue.
Staggered into a cafe in town for a cold beer, soup and toastie, then home for a shower and a rest.Read more