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I got dropped off by John near the Moulin Hotel, mainly because it was quieter to stop here than in Pitlochry itself. He was off to do his hill of choice which left me a few hours to explore the local area. Moulin Hotel above.
It must have rained a lot recently, before our visit, as the fields here were still notoriously boggy.
Black Castle was just a ruin so I squelched on across ankle deep green sward to a better, drier path.
Views were fairly good though and the path soon improved.
Some nice art work on a house.
A view of Ben Vrackie I think.
Moulin Path info. Hard to get lost and easy to follow.
Looking back at Moulin.
Snowdrops in February.
Crocus carpet.
Track in woods. It was at this point, after seeing the waterfall ( I've seen hundreds over the decades and it was ok but not exceptional) I descended towards Pitlochry then came across the pitch and putt hut... and spotted Atholl Palace on its hill, above me. See last Post.
After visiting the palace and grounds I wandered back into Pitlochry again and thought I'd visit the Dam, The Fish Ladder, and Pitlochry's famous theatre.
Ceramic cow at Pitlochry dam.
Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder. The only only time I've explored here was in the 1980s and it was quiet then and free. Now it's very busy with tourists, even in winter, the car park was crowded yet had paid parking bays so I was glad I wasn't driving as getting a spot anywhere might have been tricky. It also looked like it was contactless only payments, my pet hate nowadays, along with people booking things in advance rather than just turning up on the day, so I was delighted to see the town's public toilets still accepted cash through a tiny 2 inch wooden door. So cute. Long may that charming oddity last.
The path runs beside the fast moving and deep River Tummel with Loch Faskally above the dam feeding this impressive flow of water. Further down a period metal suspension bridge crossed this river to allow pedestrians to reach Pitlochry's famous Festival Theatre which has attracted both UK, European, and North American A list actors/ actresses, writers, and directors for its annual programme of events and plays due to its stellar reputation, despite it's fairly off beat location in the Scottish Highlands.
Part of the theatre complex here, above, I assume. As I was watching my time to meet up with John at the arranged spot I didn't cross over to see it.
Loch Faskally and Dam.
A small but attractive public park space in Pitlochry.
Winter heather.
Walking back uphill near Moulin I was picked up by John again and we both had a good day doing stuff we enjoy outdoors. Him, a hill walk- me sightseeing... on this occasion.
Some photos on the way back down the road. Stirling Castle viewed from the north.
Passing Stirling Castle on it's cliff top location.
Wallace Monument on a nearby hill close to Stirling. Thanks to John for the weekend trip, the bothy night, and the driving. I really enjoyed it.
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11 comments:
We stayed a night in the Moulin Hotel once, years ago. I remember doing a nice walk, but can’t remember where.
I've been in the Moulin Hotel as well back in the 1980s but we were only drinking in it. We had 4 or 5 pints then moved a short distance to a social club for some more drinks with the locals. No idea what happened after that but we must have spent the night somewhere, probably in someone's barn, shed, or garden... sleeping in a tent ( all by invitation I might add from our new bar room friends) but cannot remember now where exactly it was. A good night though... I remember that bit :o)
I always like the look of Loch Faskally when I drive up the A9.
I prefer contactless payments at carparks as you always find the cash ones always take your money, refuse to give you it back and deny you ever gave it and leave you ticketless!
Lovely walk, thank you! I am afraid I wish I was one of those many tourists that you see!
Hi Carol, I will attempt to keep cash alive in the UK as long as possible by using it daily as I prefer it. Around ten years ago Sweden became a cashless society but now apparently cash is making something of a comeback there due to Russia's interest in undersea cables. No cables- no modern cashless transactions- folk left without money overnight if no access to it. Very easy way to cripple a country but also good way to have control over a country if everything is online and can be stopped at the push of a button/ mouse click.
Hi Kay, As you know The UK as a whole is a patchwork quilt of landscapes as the scenery changes to something completely different every few miles or even around the next bend. Something I only noticed and appreciated when I visited other countries. Also you are never far from the sea here, especially true in Highland Scotland with so many deep sea lochs stretching far inland. Main reason I do not like too many people visiting is that it always changes things- harder to get parked in popular beauty spots and also many formally free to park places have installed pay machines and many are cashless nowadays. Plus the inevitable strict restrictions on visitors where, with just a few tourists arriving daily, they did not have any except follow the country code and use your own common sense.
It was warm and sunny when we visited Pitlochry about 12 years ago, but even then it was full of tourists. It must make life difficult for people who live there.
As time go by it is getting harder and harder to deal with life if you don't have apps, and all the latest technology, I keep wondering just how long we can manage to keep plodding along. I went into a bank the other day, there are so few around that I was surprised to see this one, and asked for some £1 pound coins in exchange for a £10 note, but because I was not a member of their bank they refused to do it.
Hi Rosemary. Yes I could use apps and contactless and do occasionally if nothing else is available but I deliberately still use cash to try to keep it alive. Everyone said vinyl records were finished for good yet they are still popular today for folk that can afford them. I hope cash can make a comeback as well. Other reason is I like using it and do not see why I should be forced into getting all the tech when I will only use it for a few things anyway. In 10 to 15 years time smart phones will be a chip inserted inside us anyway, (in the wrist) something that's already been tried in Sweden. PS, any post office acts as a bank now for paying money in etc as long as you have your bank card with you.
Thanks - I will try getting some coins from the Post Office. I wonder if they will be the next to leave the high street???
Beautiful photos. I love ❤️ the cow 🐄
Hi Linda. Ceramic animals are a thing in Scotland now with around a dozen highly decorated ceramic sheep in various towns and cities and numerous Oor Wullie ceramic creations ( a popular Scottish comic strip featuring a young boy sitting on a bucket and his adventures.)
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