If you are looking to getting out walking in the months ahead and maybe thinking about joining a walking group, Dundee Ramblers have just the walk for you!
An Introductory Walk with Dundee Ramblers
This is a leisurely circular walk from Clatto Country Park in Dundee with minimal ascent. The starting point of walk readily accessible by public transport. Booking however is required (see below).
We will walk mainly by farm, woodland and field tracks (with only a very little road walking) from Clatto Country Park into the open countryside of a really beautiful area of rural Angus. We will pass along by the edge of Templeton Woods to the outskirts of the village of Birkhill and then by Blairfield (very open views of the landscape from here) to Tayside Forestry, Strathmartine where we will then begin our return journey through a field of Christmas trees (readily accessible tracks). We will then make our way through the edge of Baldragon Woods (a naturally regenerating woodland of ash, silver birch and rowan) before returning to complete the path around the reservoir at Clatto.
Just to pre warn - it can be muddy in places at times, please do come prepared.
Lots to see along the way. Clatto Country Park is an area of mixed habitats including woodlands, open parkland and Clatto Reservoir itself where the water is home to many ducks and diving birds - always something to catch the eye here.
As the walk progresses, we will see some fantastic views of the nearby Sidlaw Hills and as we look into the depths of Templeton Woods, we will see a diverse range of species of trees including oak, beech, rowan and silver birch.
The woods also provide a home for a great variety of wildlife including great spotted woodpeckers, buzzards, jays and smaller woodland birds such as chaffinches and long-tailed tits. If we stop and look very quietly into woodland, we might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a red squirrel scurrying through the tree tops.
There are toilets at the starting point and lunch is on offer at the end of the walk at Downfield Golf Course (one mile from Clatto) for those interested, a very reasonable £10 per head for soup, sandwiches, tea and coffee. Cash payments please and notes of dietary requirements.
A VERY WARM WELCOME AWAITS YOU! Come along and ‘give it a go’!
This walk is completely free of charge. You're welcome to try up to three trial walks before considering becoming a member of the Ramblers.
Booking your place: If you would like to join this walk, you are required to book a place by contacting Jean MacGillivray (by phone or text only) on 07932014859 and giving your name and telephone number. Booking will be on a first come first served basis. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your booking so that someone else can take your place. Please do not turn up for a walk without booking.