9th January 2025 - Walking Tours
We are almost ready to restart our activities next week. While we wait, let’s look back at one of 2024's highlights.
On September 12, we organised a trip to Luss Estate, with the help of Paths for All #SCSP Open Fund, artist Alec Finlay, and Day of Access. Twelve community members and two staff members went out for a day exploring nature.
The walk, led by Laureen Walker with the help of Alec, Tamara, Hayden, Kate, Sam, and Leonie, began on a woodland trail, where participants learned about plants with the help of a forager. They then visited a beach, cosying up on sheepskins, sharing a picnic, and taking home homemade bramble jelly. The group wrote poems, shared stories, and reflected on belonging and connection.
A stroll at Luss Estate.
Feeding a duck by the Loch.
Sketches by the loch, inspired by the view.
Discovering edible plants with a forager.
Bramble jelly jars for everyone.
Alec Finlay captured the spirit of the day in a beautiful poem:
on belonging
(I)
meaning well, we
introduce the theme
for the day: belonging
then the hotel manager says
no, sorry, no, this many
refugees can't use our facilities
(II)
from Syria to Belfast
which never felt safe
Brits didn't like me
Irish didn't like me
and so on to Glasgow
(III)
he bends and gathers
a posie of blue asters
from the shore of the loch
to take home to his wife
(IV)
talking about belonging
I say there's wallabies
on one of those islands
I'm not sure which
and Leonie says it's
the one that's jumping
(I)
meaning well, we
introduce the theme
for the day: belonging
then the hotel manager says
no, sorry, no, this many
refugees can't use our facilities
(II)
from Syria to Belfast
which never felt safe
Brits didn't like me
Irish didn't like me
and so on to Glasgow
(III)
he bends and gathers
a posie of blue asters
from the shore of the loch
to take home to his wife
(IV)
talking about belonging
I say there's wallabies
on one of those islands
I'm not sure which
and Leonie says it's
the one that's jumping
The walk was about scenery, and also connection. As one participant said: "It was a beautiful trip, I met new friends, learned new things about plants, and the view of the lake was magical."
Participant reflection on what they learned.
Taking home potted plants.
This walk was one of many we’ve hosted last year. If you’d like to join us on future walks, message Laureen on 07425464270 for updates.
Want to support walks like this? Donate via Givey with “more walks” as your message. Your generosity helps us bring these experiences to more people!
Thank you Sam McDiarmid for capturing the experience in photos.