Family Day on the West Highland Way

The family day walk on the West Highland Way was very enjoyable in lovely Spring weather. In total, there were five adults and six children. They all behaved beautifully including the adults! The children ranged from Olivia aged six to Franek aged thirteen.

We set out from Milngavie just after 10 am and completed the walk at the Glengoyne Distillery to catch the bus at 3pm back to Milngavie. The distance covered was just over six miles.

At the start of the walk, the children took great interest in the route to Fort William and seemed to like the idea they were walking the first section of a well known long distance route.

Throughout the day, we spotted much wildlife starting with a ladybird sitting beside Olivia as she had the first break. We went on to see a deer, a buzzard, some fish in a pool, geese in a field and a pheasant. This is more than we usually see on a hill walk! It was helpful having all these eyes on the lookout as we walked at a slower pace.

Not only did we see wildlife but also other wonderful things such as interesting fungi on trees, mosses and heathers. The open pine cones were discussed and how they close in bad weather. There was also speculation on why an area of grass had been burned. Near Duntreath , we had lunch and viewed the standing stones. After lunch, Jim Cassidy had the co-ordinates for the Treasure Box and the children had fun exchanging items in the box.

The children were an inspiration to us as we should spend more time on a walk looking at the little things around us. Ruth hates walking but enjoyed the walk as there was so much to see. Olivia was fantastic for someone so young, walking a distance and taking an interest in the countryside. Franek listened to his Ipod but was still observant. Indira and Krish are well experienced walkers and Roch took great interest in the walk. The children all got on well and the adults played a great part in looking for the wildlife, etc. I did not once hear a cry of ‘I am bored’ from the children.

The length of the walk was just right, the weather ideal and there was plenty to interest the children. These could be future HF members! It was a great day out.

Frances Rickus