ORD HILL TO MUNLOCHY

 Spring was in the air as we walked from Ord Hill to Munlochy for our February outing.

Even the frogs were out and about as we set off from the car park at Ord Hill on a nice sunny day. Clearly Elain and Darren are getting old now that they are married and settled down as they could not find any excuse not to join us on the walk.

Soon into the walk the first of a series of great views opened up in front of us. this is looking up the firth towards Beauly and the west.

From the forest track we cut down towards Kilmuir and the shore, with Sharon leading the way through the dappled woodlands. Obviously that was not quite true as I was in front of her otherwise the photo would have been of her rear and I don't have a wide angle lens.

The first obstacle soon appeared, but we managed to take that in our strides.

 Even Elain managed.

And so did Darren.

 We safely reached the shore and got a great view of the bridge - known as the bridge of sighs to countless disappointed Ross County supporters.

The older walkers among us managed to find some old pennies to make a call from the red phone box. We had to explain to Darren and Elain what a phone box was and what pennies were.

Then it was up the hill from Kilmuir where the going began to get a bit warmer in the sun. I think it best to say nothing about Darren's shoulder bag.

 Here we are smiling in the sunshine because we managed to find a seat after getting up the hill.

Then we all had to look at Jacque's foot. Luckily I was upwind of the seat. 

Despite rumours to the contrary the padding used between her toes did not come from a packet bearing the Tena lady logo.

Whatever it was, it seemed to work and we were soon on our way again.

 We found our way up onto a ridge and were rewarded with great views to the west again. 

 Further on the views became even wider.

 The views also included a different angle on Ben Wyvis.

 By now it was close enough to lunchtime so Dave allowed us all to have a seat overlooking a small reservoir. And here is the lunch photo. 

 Further along the ridge we could see the Munlochy Bay and the Moray Firth. This is Munlochy Bay - I didn't take a photo of the Moray Firth so you will just have to take my word for what we could see.

 That's the style.

Just to prove that spring was on its way.

Something we don't see often on our walks - a ford.

 More great views across Munlochy Bay.

Then we were into Drumderfit woods heading towards the car park.

From the car park we drove to the Allangrange Arms in Munlochy where they clearly did not realise how uncouth we could be as they had set the table for us with napkins and real cutlery. They laid on a fabulous spread of scones and the odd pint of Happy Chappy.

All in all a great walk in good weather with fine views and most of all a good pub to end up in. Thanks to Sharon and I for all the organisation. And thanks to Darren and Elain for not making us feel too old.