The Dog Rambler E-diary 26 June 2012

7/31/2019 The Dog Rambler E-diary 26 June 2012

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To

Walk Through Gore Glen, Midlothian Length 6 miles

Dogs on walk Chutney, Finlay, Gina, Solo, Tim, Struan & Talaidh

A gorgeous hot day saw us head for Gore Glen. Some shade and plenty of water for the

dogs in the churning river and the trackside puddles. Our usual parking space beside the

recreational fields under mud from flooding by the recent heavy rain was an ominous sign.

Sure enough most of the paths in the glen were a bit of a mud bath. But somehow the

dogs finished up not too dirty.

Having found a space to park the dogs jostled their way out of the car and we set off for

the old railway line in its half hidden cutting. However, I saw someone coming with a dog.

I could not face trying to usher the excited bunch past at this early stage. I took the easier

option and guided them onto the edge of the playing fields. Basking in the sun above the

shaded cutting we made our way to find a narrow path taking us back on course.

We were now able to drop down into the glen. Deeply shaded by the huddled trees on its

steep side. Flashes of sunlight like multiple camera bulbs made us feel like celebrities under

the scrutiny of the paparazzi. Finlay, Gina and Solo running ahead. Not to escape but

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toward the rushing sound of the Gore Water. Chutney quite the opposite, and very unlike

her, latched onto my heels. I could not shake her off. No matter what encouragement I

gave her she did not want to leave me alone. Apart from the occasional chase off after the

others or a dip in the river she was never far from me. Maybe just pleased to see me aftera longish absence.

Nicely wet and cool Finlay, Gina and Solo, rejoined the rest of us on the path weaving

beside the Gore Water to join the River Esk and the wider part of the glen. They were

disappointed, however, to find someone fishing in their favourite swimming spot. It did not

stop them all trying to go in but nasty me would not let them. I think Tim thought I was

in a nasty mood all round today. He kept eyeing me suspiciously especially after he hadbeen told off for jumping at Chutneys neck. This led to him also spending large amounts of

time huffily walking behind me. Until there was the chance to chase about with the others.

That came after we had climbed along the top of the glen, washed more by the sunlight,

and then dropped back to the river winding through a wide flat grass plain. This was ideal

chasing territory. Struan was the catalyst. Chutney broke away from my heels to join him

along with Tim and Gina. Finlay and Solo had opted to throw themselves back into theriver on its wide lazy meander. They were joined by the others at a bend in it where an

old track had once forded it. They scrambled about for stick I threw before reprising the

chasing after we had crossed the river on a crumbling stone bridge.

Another dip at another old ford marked our turning point. Some last opportunities to

chase were taken with vigour before we were engulfed in the dark denseness of the trees.

Climbing back up to the top of the glen, the sound of the river fading as the light levelsincreased.

Jumping over a fallen tree still blocking a path from the January storms saw us begin the

descent back into the depths of the glen. Rigidly firm pine trees spaced on the glen floor

and teetering on its sheer slopes. We met a few other dogs but we were much calmer now

and the dogs said hello quite gently and casually.

Then thundering up behind us two horses trotted. The path blocked on one side by the

steep bank of the river. Climbing up through young trees on the other. We took this option,


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helped by a bench we could get behind. All the dogs shuffled off the track to let the horses

by. Well all the dogs except Struan and Talaidh. Yes it was my two who let the side down.

Talaidh not so bad. She just stood on the path eating grass oblivious to the horse sneaking

by her. Struan however moved into the middle of the path and found himself nose to nosewith one of the horses. A couple of sniffs and the horse pushed on by.

We followed on behind as they quickly disappeared ahead. We clambered back out of the

glen and a little breathlessly made our way back along the old railway to the car.

Nick

Photo slideshow from the walk

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The Dog Rambler E-diary 26 June 2012