Over The Hill

Today it was our group's AGM, and as in previous years, we preceded the AGM with a short local walk. Today David led us on a meandering ramble through the lanes and forests above Rhu, visiting the reservoirs which once served Rhu's water supply and through the woodlands on the hillsides above Rhu.

The weather forecast was for a dismal day, and right from the off we were prepared with full waterproofs on, and hoods up as the rain alternated between heavy drizzle and full on rain, and all stages in between. Initially winding our way through the lanes of Rhu we then strolled along a good woodland track through Aldownick Glen before taking to the open hillside for the short climb up to the Rhu Reservoirs, which on a fine day offer extensive view over the Gareloch and Clyde, but sadly today only offered a grey covering of mist and rain.

Beyond the reservoirs we left the faint track to find a sheltered spot under the thicker woodland in which to take a short break for some refreshments and a welcome break of sorts from the rain. Our return route from the reservoirs was to take us east through the woods on a narrow and very wet track to join up with the new forest track running south to Ardencaple Farm. Again, on a fine day this would be a good track, but given the heavy vehicles and machinery currently using it and the rain, even this proved a bit of a mud bath in places, but it was easy going.

Just before Ardencaple Farm we left the new track and once again took to the forest, winding our way down through Ardencaple Wood and via the bridge under the WHR into Duchess Wood, from where it was a simple walk back to Kidston Park and our starting point.

The weather was not the best, but this was a very energising walk, and, once the wet outer ware was removed all that remained was to enjoy a hot drink and chocolate biscuit as we sat down to our AGM

Thanks David, enjoyed the walk and company.