WALK 5 DAVIOT WOODS 12th February.

 This week's Monday walk took place on a Monday. This is not an immutable law, but we had rearranged our routine to make Monday the day we would have a day out as well as a walk. However, being retired means we are pretty much able to do what we like. The golden rule is that you have to take advantage of serendipity. The sun was shining, so off we went to Daviot woods. This might not have been such an exotic destination, but there was space for a blind dog to run around, so that's where we went.

First things first, persuade Blue to jump out of the car, which he did, but how scary must that be if you don't know what you're jumping into? A bit like committing to Knee Kick Starters and a Brace! A leap of faith.

The woods lie just to the south of Inverness and they have become very popular with dog walkers, families and runners using the 5 kilometre circular walk in the trees. We have often walked here and knew there was a bit of space for Blue to run without crashing into too many obstacles.

Daviot is actually a Pictish name and there are the remains of an Iron Age fort to the south of the woods, which would match well with Pictish settlement hereabouts. The fort is known locally as Dun Davie, and the site of the fort would have been formidable. The placename is thought to derive from the Pictish Dem, meaning strong. The Gaelic name is Deimhidh.

Off we go though the woods. There is something about walking in the woods, even though they might be a planted woodland like this one. I can see  how the whole forest bathing thing captivates some people. Having said that, the difference in bird song between a plantation like this and a mixed, more natural, woodland is quite notable. There is just so much more interest in mixed woodlands.

Having said all that, I can never resist a bit of sun shining through the tree trunks.

Recent winds meant that there was a bit of a workout to be had on the trail. That tested my knee out a bit!

There is a fair amount of water lying about as well. You get some nice reflections.

Some of the water is still solid, which didn't really bother Blue, but I wonder what he made of cold slippy stuff?

Despite the ice and cold, it was still a cracking day.

Not on our route, but it was a short step to Wade's Road. This is one of many military roads built by General Wade in the 18th Century. They were designed to allow government troops to more easily get about the Highlands and keep the locals from rebelling against the Crown. The road in question ran between Dunkeld and Inverness and Fort George. It was built between 1728 and 1730. It is remarkable that you can walk along the remains of the road to this day - although we didn't today.

Instead, we carried on uphill to where the forest has been partially felled and you can get some views across the Beauly Firth towards the Black Isle. Ben Wyvis, which is the highest mountain hereabouts at 1046 metres above sea level, is in among the clouds. The name derives from Gaelic and could mean noble or lofty or, perhaps more sinister - mountain of terror. WE see it from our living room and often decide where to go for the day, depending on how much cloud, rain or blue sky we can see at the time.

 

Some of the tree felling here took place decades ago and this has allowed a variety of mosses and lichens to grow on the old stumps. These always look to me like miniature worlds existing entirely alone and aloof from their surroundings. Of course, no man, nor moss, is an island. I wish I knew a bit more about these organisms. 

By now the forecast rain and wind was beginning to encroach from the west. By now, also, my knee was getting sore, so a sprint for the warmth of the Gateway café was a bit beyond me. 

We didn't really get too wet before we made the sanctuary of the café. Blue was not very happy with the hard floor in there and wouldn't settle.

He was altogether happier in the car with a chew, whilst we had a nice salad, which was hopefully filled with the right kind of nutrients to aid recovery of my knee.

Another good walk that we might not otherwise have done, but for the encouragement of the brace and the need to recapture ease of movement. It probably could not have been more different from our walk in the town last week, but then, that is part of the point. We are making these walks different, interesting and enjoyable.