Loch Tay ..

on a perfect day!

We haven’t moved the car today, the weather was fabulous from the get go and so after breakfast we set off on the first of two walks. 

Following the old railway line we took the path that followed the course of the River Lochay, after its confluence with the River Dochart, to the head of Loch Tay. The river and the Loch were beautifully glassy and reflective today and we sat here on this little beach for a while enjoying the stillness.

Moving on a little I spotted a heron on the beach and caught a shot of him taking off. He landed in the reeds and we stopped and watched him as he caught two fish - both in the extra.

The mountains are part of the Ben Lawer range with the Tarmachan Ridge to the left.
Returning on the railway track we were walking in bluebell scented woods till we dropped down to follow the River Dochart into town.

A coffee stop and then a revisit to the Old Mill to see the heritage exhibition which showed pictures of old Killin with commentary from locals who remembered the subject of them. So important to record these memories. ( Oh and I also got some earrings I spotted yesterday!)

The day trip coaches were definitely in town by lunchtime and everywhere was busy.

A hotel room pit stop and then we set off on our second walk - the Auchmore Circuit - from behind our hotel.  Hardly saw a soul. 
A gentle walk up paths with views over where we had walked this morning, including more of the Ben Lawer mountains and the Loch - see second extra - plus a distant view of the Kinelly Stone circle. Lots of welcome shade as it was pretty hot this afternoon. Saw my first Orange Tip of the year and a couple of Peacocks flitting around each other. Wild Primroses,  Violets and even wild strawberry flowers. 
Both short walks but we’ve done well over 20000 steps.
Glad to be back to change my footwear and have a drink sitting outside the hotel.

Last night I I had two starters at dinner. The hotel has it’s own smokehouse so I had Cullen Skink ( can’t resist) and a small plate of hot and cold smoked salmon with cream cheese and blinis. Perfect. Might have the same tonight!

Told we may get one more good day weather wise, we move on tomorrow and you take what you get but it has been good to make the best of this one.

Forgot to say both walks were accompanied by the cuckoo, our first hearing, it often is when we are here in Scotland