Sunday 17th of December 2017.
Fourteen members of the club gathered in Dunkeld for a pre-Christmas meet, with walking, scrambling, mountain biking and/or tea and home baking on offer. Some adventure was already encountered when the group attempted to reach the car park above Polney. Alasdair managed to end up across the road, Dennis backed down it and the Tim ended up in a ditch trying to get out of his way. Fortunately, all club members eventually made it to the start point, where we split into two groups (a third group had also taken the more sensible option of a wander along the river).
The first group of five members rendezvoused with Grahame, Alice and the dog for the Tour of Polney Crag option. We set off up the climbers path to the foot of Polney and were soon tackling somewhat slippy scrambling. Luckily Grahame had come equipped with a rope for what was described as a walk with a few sections of easy scrambling. Beverley was glad to be able to take advantage of some rope reassurance which allowed her to continue with the group and enjoy being exposed on rocky edges once again! Lovely views down to the valley below were appreciated.
The mountain bikers followed the higher path north below Deuchary hill and then Polney before dropping down to Polney Loch and back to the carpark at Dunkeld. The path was steep-sided, narrow and slippery throughout. Fortunately, Alasdair managed to avoid serious damage when he took a tumble down the hill side, missing all the rocks and trees on the way.
On reaching the top by sheer coincidence the two groups met, with the cycle group muddy and battered. We then went our separate ways before meeting up back at Grahame and Mel’s house for freshly made homebakes, coffee and tea and a good chat about the days activities notably the pre walk adventures of cars on ice and in ditches with some problem solving required to solve the situations.
A thoroughly entertaining day was enjoyed by all groups.
Other photographs from the meet:
