There was the time in the borders when we had all but completed a quite strenuous walk including crossing a steep scree slope and then when we got on to a level grassy area John fell and broke an ankle. More recently, on the approach to A ‘Chrois while taking what seemed a simple step across a burn, Pat dived head first into a gully.

A few years ago, on a dull, but dry morning, a fairly small group by Monklands standards, set off from Loch Achray Hotel to climb Ben Venue.

We knew the early part of the walk would be very wet underfoot. It was almost impassable even on the recce which was done on a lovely hot summer day when all we wanted to do was bask in the sun.

A diversion had to be taken through closely planted conifers. We negotiated this, however, more or less maintaining our good humour and attained the open hillside. We then carried on to the twin summits of Ben Venue without incident and after the usual stops started to make our way down by the "tourist route" to Ledard. By this time it had started to drizzle but there is a good path on this side of the mountain and every one was swinging along and in good form, We were walking along a narrow path. The path itself was level but it contoured round a steep, grassy slope with the odd boulder sticking out. I was at the front happily acting the part of leader when I became aware of a commotion and shouting behind me. I looked round. Everyone was staring down the slope. At the foot was a figure - motionless. I started back and others started to slither down the hill. Then the figure sat up. What a relief, especially to those who had seen the whole incident. Karen, my co-leader had been just behind Elsa when Elsa slipped and fell from the path. She did not slide or roll down the hill but bounced down, somehow missing the rocks and came to a stop possibly as much as a hundred feet down. Karen and the others thought the worst.

When we got to Elsa we found her severely winded and suffering from shock. She was having difficulty breathing and we feared broken ribs and possibly other damage.

There was nothing else for it but to get expert help. Karen, Donna and Annette Michelle raced down to Ledard to the ‘phone. They ‘phoned the Police who in turn called out the Mountain Rescue Team. In the meantime Muriel and Norah lay beside Elsa to keep her warm.

The Mountain Rescue Team arrived surprisingly quickly. They put Elsa on a stretcher which had a single bicycle wheel at the front. This was just what was needed for getting down narrow paths.

The ambulance was waiting at Ledard and Elsa was taken to Stirling Royal Infirmary. There she was told she had no broken bones and no "serious" injuries - which was what she had been telling us all along.

Elsa misscd a few walks after that but it was not long before she was back entertaining us with her good humour and ready laugh.

lncidcntally, contrary to certain rumours which have been put about, not all the walks I lead have accidents on them.