Start of summer marked with Beltane walks
Last updated | 29/04/2008
Perth and Kinross Countryside Ranger Service is joining up with its neighbours in Fife and Dundee to celebrate the traditional start of summer with a Tayside-wide Beltane festival involving walks on local hills.
Beltane marks the start of summer and has been celebrated traditionally on or around 1st May each year as cattle were put to summer pasture. In the distant past, druids would light circular fires as part of the celebrations to rid people and animals of evil spirits from the winter season. While these ancient celebrations are now all but forgotten, there are still many modern Beltane Festivals, the most popular in Scotland being the event held on Calton Hill in Edinburgh each year.
Perth and Kinross Rangers will be running two walks on Saturday 3 May as part of the Tayside-wide event. The first local walk will go up Bishop Hill near Scotlandwell, with the second taking place on Kinnoull Hill in Perth. The walk from Scotlandwell is recommended for fit walkers only as the route climbs steeply up Bishop Hill. Participants should meet at Portmoak Church car Park at 7.30pm. The Kinnoull Hill walk will be slightly less strenuous and walkers are advised to meet at the Corsiehill lay-bys at 8.00pm before they go to the summit.
Booking for both the walks is essential. As participants will be returning downhill in the dark, suitable clothing and footwear are advised and walkers should also bring a torch. Please call 01738 475349 if you want to book a place.
Anyone wishing information about the Dundee and Fife walks should call 01382 431848 for the Dundee events and 01592 656080 for those in Fife.
