Eric was determined to lead a walk from Stronachlachar to Loch Achray Hotel. Eric, John, Alec and myself left Alec’s car at Stronachlachar car park intending to travel back up by Sir Walter Scott, the loch pleasure steamer. We had an easy time to the big sheep pens and then our troubles started.

No roads or paths for more than half the length of the loch, bracken head high and rnidges big. We had the steamer in full view as it plied up and down and looked forward to being on board. At last we hit the path off Ben Venue near the sluice gapes. Our first port of call was Achray Hotel and were told the pleasure boat had laid up for the night. John was all for walking the twelve miles back to the car. He was outvoted and we called a taxi from Aberfoyle at £20 for the trip. Young Alec collected four £5’s. The driver took £19 so Alec gave him a £1 tip.

Mike O’Neil, Tom Johnston, Bill Frederick, myself and my wee dog set out from Tilliecoultry to climb Ben Cleuch. It had been fine dry weather, so to lighten the load, I left the skins in the boot of Mike’s car. We were going to drop down into Alva and back along to the car at the start of the walk. Everything went well until the top of the Law.

Thunder followed by heavy rain stayed with us for most of the walk and we arrived back at Tilliecoultry in need of a wash and dry clothes. Now what to do with the wee dog? I could not let her into Mike’s car. She was filthy. The burn through the town was too low down to wash her there. She followed me into the toilet. I took her by the scruff of the neck and placed her in the pan. She was not too bothered when she was nearly flushed down the drain.

"Have your boots on and be ready to go". How often we have heard the leader give this order!! No bother usually, but today we are doing an ‘A+’. Too proud to relegate to a ‘B’, but afraid of making a mess of it the butterflies start. "Oh!! if only they would take it easy to start with". The leader is good but who will lead him. It will be a young one with good lungs and strong legs. "Hey!! wait a minute, till I take this jacket and pullover off". Well at least I’m not last. She is having a hard time. Maybe I’d better offer to carry her pack. Nearly bit my head off. Hardy Girl!! Don’t look up and take small steps. What are they all looking back for? Are they pitying me or laughing? No, they are shouting to come and see the view. They are almost there. Some of them look very tired. It won’t beat me now. I’ll concentrate on my two rolls and my flask of hot tea.