Balmaha Walk.

I really loved my week of dog sitting as I was out walking Belle in the most lovely countryside every day and at the same time getting fresh air and exercise. I mentioned to my friend Laurence that I was missing it and he suggested we do a weekly walk on a Wednesday with his dogs. He lives near Pollock Country Park so the dogs go there every day so we thought it would be nice to try different places that they (and Laurence) had never been to. Last week we went to Mugdock Country Park and this week we went to one of my favourite places of all - Balmaha on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond.

It is about an hours drive from Glasgow but so worth the journey. Best of all there are several walks around the area and a great pub called The Oak Tree where you can get coffee and scones at the end of your walk!

I think it is safe to say that the dogs absolutely loved their first visit.....

and they were totally entranced by the large body of water. At first they were a little cautious....

but Oinagh (the bolder of the two) took the plunge and after a little encouragement.....

Murphey took his first steps in....

He went deeper and deeper trying to get a wee stick that kept floating just out of reach....

and was genuinely frustrated as it floated just beyond reach........

but due to a chance gust of wind that blew the stick back towards him he was eventually successful....

They were both rather interested in the ducks....

but luckily the ducks were too quick for them! This is a really beautiful walk - not too strenuous but with amazing views - it is heavily wooded and there are several small secluded beaches which is a great mix. The bluebells were just about finished but the wooded areas were carpeted with wild primrose...

 

a sight which transported me back to my childhood!

At the end (and beginning) of this walk you have to cross a bridge which is not suitable for little doggie paws so the dogs needed to be carried. Of course by this time they were soaking wet and Laurence insisted that he carried them both so I didn't get soaked - what a gent!

I'm not sure that they were that impressed!

One final look at the loch........

and we were off to The Oak Tree for the most delicious cream scones and cappuccinos - yum!

The first name out of the hat for the pincushion giveaway was Petit Filoux and the second was Isobel - Congrats!

Comments

[Petit Filoux]

Oh wow!! I was just going to leave you a message saying how lovely (and funny!) these photos are, and then I saw my name at the bottom! Result!! What a nice thing to see on a Friday night! Thank you!! x

[Bella Bheag]

Yeh, thanks Suzanne - another Fieldy lovely to add to my stash! Enjoy your country walks - you lucky dog!x