It was a nostalgia trip. Dollar Glen was always a very special place for me when I was growing up. An exciting place, with paths cut along the rock face, trees enclosing the Dollar burn which flowed through the gorges, and cascaded in magnificent waterfalls. After a steep climb the ruins of Castle Campbell would appear, making the long slog up the paths.steps and bridges well worthwhile.
Fifty years on Mary and I made he climb today in lovely spring weather. There was a lovely light, the trees were busting into leaf, and wildflowers were everywhere, bluebells, violets, primroses, shamrock to mention but a few. But fifty years on, the paths and steps do seem a little steeper than I remember.
I was looking forward to walking what I rememberd we called the Long Bridge through a narrow chasm where the burns splits into two. The chasm was there but the bridge has now gone and that route to the Castle is no longer an option. I recall reading that Andrew Milne who was the first rector of Dollar Academy and the parish minister of Dollar, explored these gorges in the Victorian age long before paths were cut out of rock nd bridgess built. What an experience that must have been,but not one Iwouldlike to copy.
A nice set of photographs will enhance this memory of the nostalgic walk up Dollar Glen.