July has been a fairly quiet month compared to the rest of the year. I’ve been focusing a bit more on rest days but still enjoying plenty of walks, including a castle visit and some Munro hiking.
Birnie Loch and Loch Gaddon
A relaxing little walk with some work mates. Birnie Loch and Lochan Gaddon are just a short drive away, and I hadn’t been here for a while. We took our time and the loop took us just under an hour. Originally, I wasn’t planning to take any photographs, but I couldn’t resist capturing the day.
Letham Glen
An evening trip with my friend Mark led us to St Andrews for some noodles. On the drive home, we decided to stop at Letham Glen. I’ve driven past many times but had never actually explored it as an adult, though I do remember visiting as a kid.
I gave the photos a vintage, nostalgic look to match the mood. We found a quiet bench to sit on for a while before heading back to the car.
Markinch Viaduct
On the way home, we talked about the old houses next to the A911 and decided to stop near the viaduct. We found a parking spot right beside it and went for a short wander underneath, eventually coming across the water sluice on the River Leven.
It wasn’t even that late, but the place was completely empty. I walked along the river’s edge and noticed the old path had become overgrown. I’d love to come back when I’ve got more time and energy. I can’t believe I’ve never explored it before.
entsmuir Polish Camp
It had been a while since my last visit to Tentsmuir Forest, which is surprising considering how close it is to home. The mix of forest and beach here is fantastic. Unfortunately, I had very little mobile signal and forgot to download the map, so a planned short walk turned into a 12 km trek.
Eventually, I arrived at the old stone building that dates back to World War II. Despite the signpost, it’s surprisingly easy to miss. Stepping inside the abandoned structure, now overgrown with nettles and nature, I snapped a few photos and soaked in the eerie silence.
I’d love to return to Tentsmuir to enjoy the beach properly and try some of the other walks. I can’t help but wonder what else is hidden in these woods.
Blair Castle and Gardens
Blair Castle lies just beyond Pitlochry, and on this scorching July day, my first stop was the castle itself, reading a bit about the Dukes and Earls of Atholl.
Honestly though, I was more excited to explore the Hercules Walled Garden and enjoy the flowers and wildlife around the pond. It was far too hot to sit in the sun, but I found some shade on a bench. Afterwards, I walked to St Bride’s Kirk, where I had the place entirely to myself—until I spotted some Highland cows. Naturally, I was more excited to see them than they were to see me. One approached as I cheekily asked, “Can I take your photo?” It was definitely not happy, so I quickly walked away.
I wandered into the woods, not entirely sure I was still in the castle grounds, and found a lovely bridge with a small waterfall behind it. Looping back, I passed the still-grumpy cows and then some equally unimpressed deer. By the time I got back to my car, I was roasting, so I blasted the AC and enjoyed a lukewarm energy drink.
The Cairnwell Munros II
My second visit to the Cairnwell Munros was a special one — this time I went with my sister and nephew. I was so proud of my nephew for bagging his first Munro at just five years old. We reached the summit of Càrn Aosda in under an hour!
Originally, we’d only planned to reach the first summit and head back, but we decided to continue down to Loch Vrotachan and then climb The Cairnwell. This time, the weather was perfect—blue skies and clear views—so it felt completely different from my foggy, rainy hike in May.
We skipped the most easterly Munro, Càrn a’ Gheòidh, as it would have added too much time. Even so, the whole hike took just under five hours, including breaks.
