Cathkin Braes 31 July

Alan, Allan, Andy, Ian, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert, Ronnie

Obligatory group photo. Johnny had left his hat in the car.

The morning was bright and clear as we left Ian’s house (thanks for your hospitality, Ian) and headed for our designated starting point i.e. the Croft in Spittal. This region of course brings up many memories for Ian as he was brought up here and was keen to point out that we were in Rutherglen and not Glasgow, and in fact for the best part of the day we were in and out of South Lanarkshire – more of this later.

The travel up to and through Castlemilk Park was as we remembered it (see September 2011) and quick progress was made up to the entry point for Cathkin Braes Country Park. Since our last visit the mountain bike trail has been built for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games and we were keen to see it for ourselves. It contains different coloured trails depending on severity and the first cyclists we saw were testament to the various degrees of difficulty. The first of the group of three negotiated a steep wee downhill section easily but the third lost balance and disappeared headfirst into the shrubbery. He quickly recovered and continued on his way with a skint knee and wounded pride together with shouts of ‘encouragement’ from the Ooters.

Gaun yersel!

We continued up to the top of the Braes and enjoyed marvellous views over the cityscape. The Braes are the highest point in Glasgow, 200m approx., and as we made our way from the radio mast towards Queen Mary’s Seat, where legend has it that Mary, Queen of Scots, viewed her troops being defeated at the Battle of Langside in 1558, we picked out the landmarks, particularly the sporting ones. Of special interest were the venues for the Commonwealth Games, an event at which Jimmy is the Athletics Competitions Secretary – we are not worthy! Well done Jimmy, and we hope to see you fit and well again soon.

Celtic Park, Paradise to some, The Arena, Velodrome and Hampden Park were clearly visible. Malcolm was first to spot Ibrox, stating that he could clearly see the Third Division Title flag fluttering in the breeze. He needs to get out more!

East end including Celtic Park

After coffee we made our way out of the park and crossed the road heading to Cathkin Marsh for lunch. It was on this part of the walk that we encountered a local resident who was keen to make sure we knew where we were going as the landfill site further up had cut off a path. This however would not affect us as we were turning off just before the site but we enjoyed his company for some minutes as he regaled us with the problems the landfill site had given him over the last 13 years and the fact that Glasgow, remember we were now in South Lanarkshire, just, had applied to extend the site and at present were operating there illegally. He then updated us on the dirty deeds Glasgow had done with the nearby wind turbine, which now dominates the area, and stated that they wanted to add another one. Needless to say, the members of Glasgow City Council were not on his Christmas list.

The Ooters doing what they do best - eating

We took lunch at the hide on Cathkin Marsh, enjoyed the sun and watched the Shetland cows graze. These had been brought in especially to improve the pasture and according to the chap from Scottish Wildlife Trust, who was doing some strimming, their introduction had been a success.

Continuing down the road back towards the car park for the Braes took half an hour at most and we were soon retracing our steps, downhill this time, back to the cars.

An excellent four hour walk was followed by FRT in the Croft where we met up with Ian’s brother, Alistair.

Ballageich Hill and Whitelee Windfarm in the distance

P.S. Legend also has it that the Braes were once home to an Iron Age Celtic tribe, no doubt dressed in green and white, called the Damnoni. Hence the call, centuries later, from the commentator ‘Oh naw. It’s no Damnoni oan an’ a’ noo’. Explanations can be provided later for those who do not follow football folklore.