Rambling Russells

A short break towards the end of January seemed a good idea until Scotland had the very thick snow falls of Jan 2018! Luckily a few days before we set off the weather improved greatly, although rain was forecast. We met sunshine and rain - and therefore a rainbow -  as we travelled across the new Queensbury Crossing. Brill. On reaching Dunfermline we found our way to Pittencrief Park. A fantastic park right in the centre of Dunfermline, bought and donated to the people by Andrew Carnegie. The park includes a rugged area called the Glen, the original site of Malcolm's Tower, the remains of which can be seen today on an outcrop of rock as you pass through the park. There were numerous squirrels running about - obviously well used to being fed by visitors. Delightful to see but we are used to red squirrels rather than grey! To the side of the park is Dunfermline Palace and Abbey, which is where we then headed. Of the monastery there are ruined walls and windows but they give...

With a gap in the poor weather, we decided to head to Shancastle to have a walk around the Loch. However, the closer we got to Thornhill there was still snow at the side of the road. At the car park entrance the snow prevented us from getting up the rise over the cattle grid so we quickly changed our destination to Maxwelton church. There was a good depth of snow around the church but in the sunshine the views were encouraging us to take a wander (and a few photos). The snow was crunchy under foot but the short walk around the loch and trees was just what we needed. There were a few signs of spring but mostly frozen textures and snowscapes.

A break in the weather and we head for the outdoors. Bo'ness reserve usually has something for us to photograph but this time the birds were too fast or too far away. At the entrance to the reserve we spotted a Goldcrest (you never know what you might see) but we couldn't get a photo !! We resorted to finds that wouldn't move . . . . . . however, as we set off back we came across a Little Egret and few Geese who cooperated - they are at the last 2 pictures.

With a resolution to go walking more often, we felt we were partly responsible for the terrible weather. But as soon as we got a clear day we felt obliged to go somewhere - anywhere to get some fresh air!! We decided to head to Castle Wood at Caerlaverock under a clear blue sky with a hard frost underfoot. The frost patterns on the grass, leaves and flower buds were amazing and the following pictures show just a few of the textures and patterns caused by the clear cold weather. Not everything was frozen. Where the sun had reached through a few things looked 'normal' !