Birnie Loch

 Today is the first of Sole to Soul's weekday walks. Seven ladies and a wee dug that Mary was fostering met up at the overflow carpark at the crem and travelled in 2 cars to Birnie Loch, near Collessie. There are two lochs that sit together, Birnie and Gaddon Lochs and an easy flat pathway can take you around both. The lochs, although they looked attractive were covered in green algae which is dangerous to pets and humans, so we decided not to have a dip after all. 


The weather today was gorgeous. A glorious blue sky and strong sun gave everyone the 'feel-good' factor.  However, walking through woodland, leaves beginning to scatter over the ground and smelling pine signified that Mother Autumn was just around the corner. Rona remarked how we are only starting to hear the birds singing again now that summer is past, so we stood  for a moment to let these beautiful sounds nourish our souls.

We stopped for a photo opportunity when we happened upon Ma, Pa and the 7 Swanny weans, not getting too close however as Pa's neck was at full stretch warning us to keep our distance from his family. 



There was rather a lot of blethering going on so we didn't notice taking the wrong
path and ending at the car park too quickly. But we extended the walk in the other direction for 2o mins or so to finish off a lovely slow amble in the countryside.  The weather, scenery, old and new friends who brought  fresh conversation to the group, made this a very satisfying morning. 

Kate had to leave us then, but not before we came together for a wee prayer. 

The rest of us were desperate for coffee so off at the toot to Freuchie Garden Centre where we so enjoyed some lunch and  even more blethers. We discussed grandchildren and great grandchildren and felt rather proud of how many little people we were responsible for. Were it not for us....... We can't help talking about church. Despite having concerns over how long it was taking for people to integrate, hope emerged that we would in time be a strong force for good in Kirkcaldy.

And so we parted, thanking Jennifer for doing  the recce - or was it three?- for leading the walk and organising our lunch at the Garden Centre. Top class scones btw and lovely, smart service from the waitresses. 10/10


Next walk is on 28th September. 



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