A golden day on the fat hill

It had been a long time since I'd walked with my friend, Shaz and in that time she had had her golden birthday. I have often been an advocate of the charity 'Help the Aged' and nothing would change on this occasion, as we took in the two Grahams north of Crieff. Meall Reamhar and Meall nan Caorach - fat hill and hill of the sheep. They looked a relatively easy ramble and we left the car park in Amulree shortly before 1000. There is a 0.5 mile of road to contend with and Sma' Glen enthusiasts but once on to the land rover track, it was a very pleasant meander up to the bealach between the two hills. Such a relaxing walk allowed us to catch up on a lot that had happened since we had time on the hill. It is clear that there is much to life, which is meant to challenge but being able to look at things with a smile on your face clearly helps. As do trips to Turkey and Achiltibuie.

A look back down the glen saw Schiehallion come into view and Loch Freuchie, with a nice rainbow forming - Shaz wanted to look for the golden pot but instead made for the summit of our 1st hill. We sat beside the trig point and had lunch, while I built a wee shelter to fend off the chilly breeze. I don't think Winter is far from us now. Our descent back to the bealach saw an apprehensive Shaz suggest that I nip on and grab nan Caorach. Nonsense, we'll just take our time, I said and before we knew it we were at the top of the second hill looking North to a snow-capped peak - Ben Lui, I think. The return trip back to the car was just as relaxing as the trip into the hills and we stopped off in Dunblane high st for me to get a photo of the Golden postbox, courtesy of Scotland's most successful sportsman. I have long been a fan of Andy Murray and have even taken to tweeting on his website; my wife suggests that I have a thing for him - not true. I just really wanted him to win a major as he has deserved it and it makes me incredibly proud to be Scottish. It was a great wee day out with Shaz and I won't leave it so long to go back into the hills with a good friend. Golden.