Step out invitation from Dingwall Field Club as walks trump talks for now due to Covid-19 concerns

Dingwall Field Club is ready to step up its walks and is happy to have newcomers join in the fun.

With ongoing uncertainty over Covid-19, the club has decided not to arrange talks but instead to do two walks per month instead.

Its programme started with a very good morning stroll in Reelig Glen among some of the highest trees in Britain – not just conifers but also the tallest lime tree.

The day outing was to the River Findhorn, this time through wonderful beech trees in glorious autumn colours.

Starting at Logie Steading near Forres we walked up the river side as far as Randolph’s Leap. For the first part the river was wide and calm and members walked in silence till the rocky rapids came and the noise was much more intense.

Here they expected to see dippers but instead we heard a great spotted woodpecker drumming and then fly across to the other side.

The path continued up and down through the beautiful beech trees, the river widening and narrowing till the point where one of the Comyn Clan leapt to safety from the Earl of Moray.

A group spokewoman said: "As we know stories change over the years and it may have been Thomas Randolph , Earl of Moray who did the leaping from the Comyn. Anyway, it was a spectacular jump! And the name that survives is Randolph!"

The return took walkers through Logie Estate and fields of Longhorn cows – very contentedly chewing the cud and reminding the older members of the cinema and western films. After a picnic in the playpark area, participants browsed the interesting shops at the Steading.

Details of November jaunts are on Dingwall Field Club website or by phoning 01349 864661.

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