Countryside ranger and Press and Journal columnist, Ben Dolphin, has announced he will lead a series of free, scenic and sociable walks to mark his final year as Ramblers Scotland’s president.
Mr Dolphin is inviting members of the public to join him and local Ramblers members for ‘President’s Walks’ at six different Scottish beauty spots this summer and autumn, where participants can enjoy the stunning Scottish countryside.
These include Fife’s coast and hills, Mar Lodge in the Cairngorms, Edinburgh’s Water of Leith, Glen Sherup in the Ochil Hills and Ben Vorlich near Loch Earn.
Spaces are limited to about 20 people per walk, so anyone interested should visit
ramblers.org.uk/scotland
to register well in advance.
Mr Dolphin works as a seasonal ranger at National Trust for Scotland’s Mar Lodge estate, writes for titles including Walkhighlands and The Press & Journal, and publishes popular blogs and YouTube vlogs.
He said: “Before I took up the role of honorary president all my walking was done solo, by myself. Group walking was therefore a new experience for me, and I’ve loved it!
“I always return from Ramblers walks feeling happy, and the chat, camaraderie and knowledge of Ramblers members has changed my perception of how we can experience the great outdoors.
“The six routes I have chosen for this series of walks are each special to me for different reasons. I am looking forward to sharing them with my fellow walkers, and hopefully I can help more people experience the fun of a Ramblers group walk.”
The President’s Walks dates in full:
Sun 2 June: Fife Coastal Path – Elie Explorer. 7 miles. 125 ft ascent.
Sat 29 June: Glen Sherup Horseshoe 10 miles. 2,000 ft ascent.
Sat 27 July: Mar Lodge Estate – Creag Bhalg and Glen Quoich 10 miles. 1,410 ft ascent.
Sun 25 August: Ben Vorlich near Loch Earn 6 miles. 2,765 feet.
Sat 28 September: Lomond Hills – West Lomond Rocks! 8.7 miles. 1,500ft ascent.
Sun 27 October: Edinburgh Explorer – A river runs through it 7.3 miles 520ft ascent