Craigvinean collage

Having been spurred on by tweets from @CountrysideBen heading into the hills for some deep snow walking, I decided to head for another of my favourite haunts – Craigvinean Forest. Underfoot was a bit slippy in places but when I eventually got up the hill to head out to Dalguise, the ice was replaced with snow that was a little deeper than I’d anticipated. I did at one point consider just retracing my steps rather than going in a circle but kept going. For a stretch of the walk, my footprints were the only human ones. Absolutely wonderful winter walk with no-one else there; peace and tranquility, can’t beat it.

After being back at work for a few days, a familiar walk through my favourite wood was just what was needed.

Balgray Burn

St. Martin’s church

I then headed for Scone through the Muirward Woods and discovered a bit of a shortcut through them so my walk didn’t end up as a mammoth one. Had a bit of an encounter on the way with a Valmarana, that thought it would be fun to play with me! Beautiful dogs but they’re pretty bouncy. I’ve had a few difficult encounters with large dogs over the past year and, not being particularly tall, having a large dog running at you full pelt and jumping up is a bit scary. Its owner was very good but not all dog owners are.

It’s peculiar what you think about when you’re out walking but when I stumbled upon this frozen puddle, I started thinking about the science of freezing. I did consider tweeting my science colleagues but I worked it out myself – Higher Physics and Chemistry knowledge to the rescue.

Ice puddle pattern 

To my great shame, this New Year’s Day was the first time that I had ever ventured off the beaten path in the Beveridge Park. I really wish I had done this a long time ago because the wooded area, which is part of the Wizard’s Walk was great. A real hidden gem.