Willie Shand recalls a past visit to Glenshee, and shares some of the delights of the area as he skirts the foot of Ben Gulabin and heads north into Glen Taitneach.
Willie’s spring visit to Glenshee
It’s April and winter seems reluctant to go. A cold blast from the Arctic has turned the hills to white again and closed the snow gates at the Spittal of Glenshee.
It’s hard to believe I was over this road only four days earlier, enjoying fine spring-like weather in Glen Taitneach. Most traffic aiming to cross the Cairnwell above the “Devil’s Elbow” keeps to the main road and bypasses the Spittal.
But those who cross the old stone bridge and take time to explore the glen may be pleasantly surprised.
Not only is the scenery exceptional but there’s also a chance to escape all that man-made noise.
Two sheepdogs I met on my way Pic: Willie Shand
The Glen of the Fairies
When I set off from home, I was actually making for Braemar for a walk in Glen Quoich. I never saw Braemar that day.
What was to be a short break to stretch the legs at the Spittal soon had me skirting the foot of Ben Gulabin and heading north into lonely Glen Taitneach.
Later, with only the waters of the Allt Ghlinn Taitneich for company, I was at the end of the track.
I dare say there may have been a few fairies keeping an eye on me. Glen Shee is, after all, the glen of the fairies. Just ask any local how the kirk at the Spittal came to be built there and you’ll find out a thing or two about the Shee fairies.
Rugged Glen Taitneach Pic: Willie Shand
The bleating of lambs added to the hint of spring. I was in no mind to pay any heed to the grouse and their cries – “go back, go back, go back”! In the end, my half-hour stop turned into a nearer ten-mile trek! Needless to say, by the time I’d returned to the car, it was time to head for home again. Glen Quoich would just need to wait for another day.
Follow Willie’s adventures as he shares a spring visit to Killin, Cowden’s Japanese Garden near Dollar and Inveraray.
