Dingwall Field Club members warmed by trip to Urquhart Bay Wood in Drumnadrochit
On the first really warm Saturday of the year, a small group of members from Dingwall Field Club went for their monthly Saturday walk to Urquhart Bay Wood in Drumnadrochit.
The group drove along Kilmore Road to park by the cemetery. From the car park the path was followed through a small gate, past a field containing a number of small ponies, into the wood. Meandering along beside the River Enrick the path went through a spectacular mix of old trees, including bird cherry and ash; by our feet were grasses with plentiful bluebells and wild garlic, which was giving off its characteristic aroma. Many birds could be heard singing above our heads.
The group walked until they reached the junction of the rivers Enrick and Coiltie, just beyond which lies Loch Ness. Here, it was very obvious that lack of rain this year has affected conditions . Instead of fast flowing water, the river bed was totally exposed; two complete trees, with broken branches and roots lying on their sides. In previous years doubtless these trees would have been carried into Loch Ness, but not this year. It was possible to scramble over the junction of the two rivers onto the opposite bank, which one of the group did, going down to Loch Ness, before returning to where the rest of us waited.
All together again the group returned slowly to where the cars had been left, noticing along the way more flowers: bugle, red campion, water avens and more cherry trees in full flower.
After sitting on the grass to eat our picnic lunches the group separated and went their different ways, the warmth of the day making more walking seem not a good idea.
