WALKS 2025

The Union Canal has had a chequered history over two centuries of use. Built to service industry for half that time, and after years of decline, now revitalised as a 34 mile ribbon of water for outdoor activities. Today, our group of eight strolled 3 miles west from the Edinburgh Basin to Slateford to savour the delights of this short gem of a walk. Fine weather, good company, 'a level playing field', and a welcoming eatery all added to the enjoyment. Only 31 miles to go ! J.G.

Eleven elated elderly escapees eventually ended up at our rendezvous point despite

copious voice mails which arbitrarily circulated the ether and further mystified us as we got mislaid in the mist.

We were on Portmoak Moss. You’d swear that the fog whispered ‘ I’m Scottish, I’m a Haar!’ We noted misty sheep, bales of hay appearing to roll toward us out of the mist as if to clear us off their patch. There were eleven of us, so could we form a cricket or football squad, and what would we call ourselves? We settled on the Elawi 11. It was that kindly of mystic experience, contrasting with the pleasure to see the fog rising up the surrounding hills as the sun warmed the earth.

Our navigation skills were further tested as we collectively struggled to come to terms with the sparsely located finger posts towards Lochend Farm shop cafe for vittles.

A favourite walk of many did that, the one from Earlsferry through Elie, to stroll up to Kilconquhor loch and the local church. This kept us to the straight, narrow and beautiful countryside.