Now in its 7th year, the Crieff and Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst recreates the celebratory atmosphere of the old days with eight days of exciting activities and entertainment. We hope that it will be of interest to the members of the Hiking Forum.
Many Tryst participants in the past are combining it with retracing their roots - many of the original drovers became the cowboys of the USA!
Walks - history & heritage; photography; munros & leisurely river walks...
Every year the popularity of our comprehensive walking program allows us to be more ambitious and adventurous. From leisurely walks along the river to Munro Bagging for the serious walker, we have walks to appeal to every age group and ability. Ranged over four ability levels, you can choose from more than 40 walks.
At the easy end of the spectrum, for example, Jess Smith, local writer & historian, is back with two fascinating walks - Forest Fairies & Spirit Trees looks at traveller folklore in a magical wood, and Dundurn Hill climbs a small hill to obtain a view from what was once a Pictish fort.
Also, new to the programme are a few ‘social’ walks: easy level walks in two parts which include a light lunch in a local hotel. One of these takes you to the St Fillan's area: the morning offers beautiful views over Loch Earn. Dundurn Hill, once the site of a Pictish fort, is the walk in the afternoon. Lunch is provided at the Four Seasons Hotel.
At a higher level, we have ‘munro bagging for beginners’ plus a wide variety of hard and extra hard walks to challenge you. However, a word of warning,for those intent on doing a few consecutive days of hard walking, we had a lot of aching bodies last year, which resulted in slowing down the walks – and so do urge you to take time out and pace yourself, maybe do a easier walk or visit the local attractions on a ‘day off’. A full (very full) and comprehensive outline of the fitness requirements can be found on the web site.
And in between we have a range of walks, covering the diverse landscape, where the Lowlands meet the Highlands.
Workshops
We are giving our walk leaders who do so professionally a chance to really show you their skills in other areas. So you can learn bushcraft skills and fly fishing with Ian MacFarlane of Do It Outdoors; participate in a two day photography course with Jo Cound, and how to get the most from your digital camera on a course run by Keith Ratcliffe. Alternatively, combine walking with writing on a day at the Historic Innerpeffray Library. Run by local writer, Linda Cracknell, this day encourages participants to explore their senses whilst walking, then to develop this through creative writing. Take a look at the full programme of workshops.
Hairy Coo Mountain Bike Challenge
Can this year better last year? With wonderful weather for an inaugural event, last year's Hairy Coo was fantastic, and met with great response from the participants, though some agreed it was a challenge! This year, with a few extensions planned for the course, more for the spectators and the barn dance in the evening, this year's Hairy Coo Mountain Bike Challenge promises even more. Make a weekend of it with a special deal with Comrie Croft accommodation too. It all takes place on Saturday 18th October.
We also have Social Events
Complementing the walking & outdoors and all that mountain
biking is a varied programme of social events and talks. This section of the programme is still expanding, but you can book online for the Cabaret Night, another fundraising night for the Margaret J Gordon Art and Craft Trust and the Barn Dance (ceilidh). Other events include a Casino Night, a chance to see Into the Wild, starring Sean Penn at Comrie Cinema...
