Hike around Fereneze

 Today, I undertook a 5 mile (approx) circular hike starting and finishing Barrhead (near Glasgow). This entailed traversing steep and sometimes muddy ground whilst reaching a peak height of about 600 feet. Visibility was surprising good for the time of year-until the rain arrived during the last half hour or so.

Here is the story:

First, a steep climb up to Fereneze Golf Course which sits at about 600 feet above sea level.This is a moorland course with breathtaking views over the Clyde valley and beyond.Image below shows golfers with Glasgow and Campsie Fells in distance.

Next, I came across a herd of Highland Cows. Normally, these are passive-and photogenic-animals.I actually found a golf ball in their field so maybe they are having a few rounds on the quiet!

Next, a trip back in time- maybe 5000 years or so- to a period when local peoples were carving cup and ring marks on rocky outcrops smoothed by the departed glaciers. The purpose of these carvings is open to question.It was probably people contemporary with Otzi (mentioned below)-not ancestors of native British people-who made the carvings.

Direction post with Glasgow in background.Generally speaking, people in Scotland have the 'right to roam' almost anywhere.

After descending from the heights of the golf course I tracked the Killoch Burn (stream) of which the waterfall below forms part.

The West of Scotland's warm, wet climate is ideal for the development of fungi/mushrooms. I encountered this Bracket Fungi growing on a decaying tree.Outdoor types and survival specialists will be aware that this type of fungi has a hard interior ideal for fire making and the material can be kept smouldering in a pouch or similar for long periods. Otzi the 5000 year old male body found in the Swiss Alps was carrying Bracket Fungi for use as a fire lighter.

Finally, here is an image of snowdrops-a harbinger of Spring.

More information for the visitor

For more information on Scottish landscapes, golf, history and sightseeing in Scotland please refer to the Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This publication is also available via Kindle.