19/11/2025
If I’d been doing Tuesday’s Pilgrims Way walk on my own, I’d have taken one look at the sky and said “let’s cancel”. That was at 8.30 when it was grim and miserable, with sleet and rain mixing up. But when you’re in a group, you’re carried away by its joint enthusiasm. It didn’t need a show of hands at St Andrews bus station before we headed for the bus to Ceres as I could sense the majority view – lets go for it! Damp and drizzly conditions are no deterrent to Dundee Ramblers and the fact the rain ceased underlined the decision to go ahead.
While the rain stopped the mist took over, meaning views were out of the question. Easy going from Ceres to Kinninmonth Hill, where the underfoot conditions were as muddy as muddy can be. The livestock there took little heed of us, before we descended (by road) to Denhead then through a forest track to Craigtown Park. I had promised picnic benches for lunch, and thankfully no over-zealous park worker had decided to move them indoors for the winter! Lunch had been on the minds of most for a wee while, so the stop there was much appreciated!
From then on, after a zig-zag walk through the park, we headed to St Andrews via Craigtoun and Lumbo Dens. From then on it was a path alongside the Kinnesburn, passing above Cockshaugh Park. Strangely enough, although there was obvious housing on our left, you still had the sense of solitude or at least an escape from urban life.
Lade Braes took us to the car park south of the university, where the walk was concluded. Looking back, we were very lucky with the weather but I suppose fortune favours the brave! All in all, 10 miles in four hours (including breaks) means a successful outing. As walk leader, I couldn’t have been more pleased.