Peel Farm Run

Ian saw a chink in the rainclouds and was off …

Four followed, assembling at 10am in summer sunshine at Kinross Services, Fife: Ian Ness (run leader, Triumph Tiger 900 GTPRO ); Allan Jones (Honda NC750); Phillip Gill-Simmons (Honda ST1100 Pan-European); Grant Powrie (backmarker, Triumph Tiger 900 GT); and self, Ed Mackey (scribe, Yamaha XJ6).

Allan and Phillip, both new to the club, had travelled far: from Paisley and Penicuik respectively. Credit to them for that and good news for the club, strengthening membership in ‘the south’.

From our starting point in mid-Fife, by Loch Leven, the run took us west to the hamlet of Yetts o’Muchart (19th century cattle drovers hill pass) and in a clockwise loop north into the Cairngorm foothills. Ian led us up the narrow, less-travelled road north, twisting and climbing through Dunning Glen. In the full flush of summer, riding through open countryside and woodland glades, the view ahead emerged into a spectacular panorama across the River Tay plain to the Cairngorm mountains in the far distance.

Beyond Dunning we entered Strathearn, crossing over the A9 and River Earn to Balgowan, then east to Almondbank on the outskirts of Perth. Threading over the A9 again at Luncary, we went north through Stanley and across the River Tay at Caputh Bridge. We crossed in-turn its tributaries, the River Ericht at Blairgowrie and River Ardle at Bridge of Cally (once again under repair, with weight restrictions and traffic lights).

Ascending into Glenshee we passed the Persie gin distillery (2023 Challenge site) and on to our northern-most point before descending steeply through twists and turns to our lunch stop in the sunny garden of Peel Farm in Glen Isla. Horsewhisperer – I enjoyed the friendly company of a family of chestnut horses by the roadside, and a raspberry ripple ice cream from the parlour. For lunch I had soup, which was very good indeed. Philip had venison pie, triggering recollections and exciting tales of travels in South Africa. After his pretty decent-sized pie he offered the group a share of his rustic-looking scone and I won – shameless, I know, but hey ho.

The return south in the afternoon led past Couper Angus (fuel stop) and on down to the Tay estuary, within sight of Dundee. Heading west we passed beneath Kinoull Hill on the outskirts of Perth, with a brief stretch on the M90 to cross the narrowing River Tay at Friarton Bridge. On south past Bridge of Earn and through Glenfarg, we reached our start-finish point, still in summer sunshine, at Kinross Services.

Ian had described it as ‘a leisurely run on some fabulous roads’, and it was a delight – characteristically exploring less-travelled scenic Scotland. He gets into the intriguing, intricate bits we otherwise pass by. From all of us, an appreciative thank you Ian! Philip was especially gladdened by the SMC ethos, having experienced what it’s like to ride with an undisciplined group of road racers. Allan’s next excursion was to cover the Challenge sites in the north.

Philip and Allan, great company and a great addition to the club. Allan took back-roads on his journey west, whilst Philip and I took the motorway south to our destinations across the Forth estuary by the Queensferry Crossing – for me, a thoroughly enjoyable outing of 190 miles.