The intention was to ascend Dollar Glen to Castle Campbell before striking out for Hillfoots Hill and returning to Castle Campbell, before descending to the floor of Dollar Glen.
This was my first club walk which was actually designed for new members (like myself) and beginners to hill walking. After some quick introductions were made, and a briefing from Ishbel (walk leader), we set off.
Weather was overcast with some light drizzle. We followed a well defined footpath alongside Dollar Burn, which took us up to Castle Campbell.
We trotted up many steps, and traversed ariel walkways and bridges as we made our way up the side of the gorge. At the top of the gorge, following a quick rest stop by Castle Campbell, we proceeded to about 275m where we started to enter the cloudbase.
The wind got stronger, the drizzle became constant and heavier. It was decided to abandon the walk due to the worsening weather conditions. We could actually see the rain being blown up the valley below us.
We returned to Castle Campbell via a slightly different route, before decending Jacob’s Ladder. Halfway down at the viewpoint (affording views back up to Castle Campbell, Saddle Hill, and Hillfoots Hill) we had our juice and sandwiches. Due to the snow melt, the falls to the south of Castle Campbell in the upper reaches of Dollar Glen were quite impressive.
Then we had a leisurely stroll back down the glen to the muster point at Dollar museum. The majority regrouped at ‘Cafe des Fleurs’ on Dollar High Street. Cracking soup, scones, hot chocolate, etc. followed in short order. Well worth a visit.
As a new member, I was made to feel very welcome. Personally, I couldn’t easily tell who were the new members, as everybody got on well from the get go.
As the walk was for beginners and new members, the pace was gentle with stops as required, allowing everyone to chat to one another and get along.
As a growing club, that has to be a good sign for future success.
contact@clackmannanshirehwc.co.uk. www. meetup.com/clackmannanshire-hill-walking-club
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