A Short Walk to Tea

Some Sundays are for long, exploring walks but this week we decided on a more relaxed route to take in the Autumnal scenary and possibly even stop in for some cake. This shorter walk would be great if you don`t feel like going far, or just fancy a leaisurly stroll on a colder day. It starts from the main car park as you enter Tarbet, on the banks of Loch Lomond. This car park is the starting point for ferry trips on the Loch and provides beautiful views across to Ben Lomond.

Exit the car park across from the hotel and continue to the right. Walk along the pavement which crosses several burns. At one point we had to walk on the side of the road as the pavement stopped. The road is a busy one with it being the main route to Fort William so take care! We crossed the road to the left hand side which had more of a path and continued a short stretch until there was a path that led up to the wood.

Across from the path you can see Tarbet Isle and stunning views of Loch Lomond. We stopped here for a bit to admire these views and noticed that there had been a campfire recently. It`s amazing that such a peaceful spot can be found so close to a main road.

Back across the road we followed the trail into the woods. This gentle up and down path led us through ferns and trees, coming out at the Bonnie Braes tearoom. Through the wood you can catch glimpses of the loch and the mountains around.

Reward yourself for being half way through the walk with a nice hot chocolate and a wee nibble at the tearoom! Unfortunately, on the day we went it was closed (but thankfully my mum brought a back up chocolate bar for us!)
On the way back, take the right hand route through the wood which gently climbs. This path takes you through some ferns and provides a nice view of the Loch on the wander back. I do love a circular walk!

This gentle woodland trail is perfect for all weather types and I can imagine it providing beautiful views whatever the season. Also, a warming cup of something nice half way through a trip is a rare treat!

The Facts on this Walk:

• Starting point is from the car park as you enter Tarbet, on the banks of Loch Lomond. Parking is free.
• Nearest public toilets are in the snack shop in the car park, which are also free.
• This walk took around 1hour- 1hr 30mins. May take longer if you order cake.
• Distance is 5km/ 3miles
• Difficult points: Generally easy walk, but I did slip on the grass at the car park so you never know what you`ll find hard... Also, be careful when walking along the road.
• Wear: weather appropriate clothing, may be a bit muddy in the wood.
• Perfect for those who want a gentle walk with rewarding views and a slice of cake!

The Kelpies

I recently made my first trip to The Kelpies and took some pictures to share with you. They are beautiful modern sculptures filled with movement and attract the eye from all angles. However, we hadn`t prepared for how busy the park around The Kelpies was; the car park was completly full and the queue for the 2 toilets they have was about 20minutes long. I have now learnt that The Kelpies is a very popular day out where kids take their bikes and footballs and older couples take picnics and small (and large) dogs. There is also a tourist centre opening next year!

It is great to see that people are interested and captivated by the giant water horses and that contemporary art is appealing for all. Have you been to see The Kelpies?

Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage

I was always going to enjoy Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki; I am a Murakami fan. I find his writing instantly accessible and welcoming and the prose approachable, even when dealing with complex issues. I also love his blurring of reality with the edges of science fiction to make the reader question larger philosophical and cultural issues. Let me tell you why you should enjoy it too...

The story spans Tsukuru Tazaki,s life from when he is a teenager to his late thirties and offers fragments on who he was then, who he now is and what made his life take a certain road. The central mystery that the novel focuses on is why his close group of friends as a teenager turned their backs on him without reason. Although, a perhaps mundune premise to base a story Murakami uses this background for a 298 page character study of the eponymous Tsukuru Tazaki. Long sections of the narrative focus on the details of Tsukuru;s life and ponderings. Tsukuru is an introvert and enjoys evenings by himself, despite finding his greatest peace observing busy railway stations. But it is in the deep relationships Tsukuru has with others that the book captivates and puzzles readers. Often these relationships are temporary, providing insight to Tsukuru that can only be noted in reflection- as with most relationships we have.

Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki is more open and fluid than the other Murakami books I have read and I can imagine that this may be frustrating for some readers. Often fragments of stories are raised, or ideas floated which never progress or come to a conclusion. However, for me, that is the point of this novel. It offers a fragment of a mans life and how he attempts to balance the past and future while struggling through the present. This is a beautiful book that entices and allows plenty of time to ponder and reflect. I think it is effective as both a disposable, quick read; but if you are wanting more, wanting to invest and reflect on your own life, it also allows you to do that.