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After a pre-run
bottle-stashing expedition on a cool but
dry Saturday afternoon, co-conspirator
Andy and myself were dragged away from
the fire and comforts of The Steading
by a good turnout of 24 merry (and soon
to be merrier) Carnethies, along with
2 Canine-ethies. Sartorial elegance
of the day award was established early
on, and went to Willie, running in a kilt,
with a slightly bizarre, deer-stalking-esque
titfer perched atop his bonce.
We set off up towards Hillend, then broke
left to follow the path along the fenceline
towards Boghall, and after just over a
mile, a rummage under a fir tree revealed
our first delicacy - a 19 year old whisky
from Littlemill, a closed distillery which
used to be near the Erskine Bridge. A classic Lowland malt - exceptionally
soft, smooth and light, and a wonderful warm-up. The
first stop also revealed the fantastic
array of whisky-drinking receptacles brought
along, from shot glasses to thimbles,
and quaichs to tumblers...or plastic half-pint
pots for good (literally) measure.
 
Onwards we trotted down to Boghall Farm,
then up the lower slopes of Woodhouselee
Hill, and just before we broke out of
the top woods, our second treat awaited
us - a tasty, sea and salt-inflected Old
Pulteney, from the most northerly distillery
in mainland Scotland. When
it was briefly left sitting on the ground,
Ben (the dog) wasn't shy in coming in
for a snifter of the fine spirit, but
fortunately he wasn't interested in a
dram...
Buoyed by the good weather, and fine fuel,
we headed up to Castlelaw - the only peak
in the Pentlands which Euan hadn't climbed,
and which Adam accurately described as
having the best view in the range. True to
form, it was superb in the soft, late-afternoon light,
and there were several "Sláinte"s,
as we raised a glass of 10 year old Aberlour,
a smooth and flavoursome Speyside whisky.
 
However, it was the one spot during the
day where we caught some breeze, so to
avoid getting too cold, we didn't tarry
long, but trotted over to the shoulder
of Allermuir. Tucked out of the wind close to
the summit, we had a fantastic view of the sunset as
we took in a peaty Ardmore from the East Highlands
- pure bliss. We also took the opportunity
to rally together and offer sympathy to
Bob, who chose this moment to confess
that he doesn't like whisky...despite
this affliction he took one (or perhaps
five) for the club, and managed manfully
to join in the tasting at every stop...
 
Everyone seemed too mellow to move, but
judicious application of a metaphorical
spatula prised everyone off the hillside
and along to Caerketton, then down to
the fort, for our final whisky...and what
a finish! An awesome
17 year-old Springbank, at cask strength,
packed with amazing flavours, and a gift
to this year's Chaser from Arthur Harkes,
to whom we all raised a thoroughly appreciative
glass!
The final descent in the gathering gloaming
passed at what felt like a sprint, then
our tired legs and glowing faces made
it back to the warmth of The Steading
for rehydration (banana ale!?) and food
- a great end to a cracking day. So
good in fact, that Shane (welcome back
to running!) and Gio managed to share
an additional fish supper between them.
Thanks to everyone for coming and making
it such an enjoyable day out! Same
time, same place, 2012...??? |
