"Hill House" Helensburgh to

BBQ @ Rhu

Saturday 23rd May 2009

The C/park behind the Rennie Mackintosh built "Hill House" high above Helensburgh was the starting point for the sixteen Bosco Wanderers who turned out for this our first BBQ venue of the year. The Hill House was commissioned by the Glasgow publisher Walter Blackie and his family in 1902 and it commands a fine view out over the Clyde Estuary to Port Glasgow, Greenock and Gourock on the far shore. It was gifted to the National Trust for Scotland in 1982 and is open to the general public. Adjacent to the house lies part of the Upland Way and its here where we picked up the footpath taking us down and across the Glennan Burn and passed a large cup-marked stone dating back to the Bronze age. The track carries on and eventually emerges onto the Highlandmans Road an ancient 19th century path running from Glen Fruin to Rhu. We took the path from here all the way down by Torr Farm and out onto the main A814 road passing Rhu Church with it's wonderful spire and clock and out along the short point to Spit Lighthouse at the entrance to the Gare Loch where fine views up and down the loch can be seen. A short walk from here and we arrived at the BBQ site courtesy of Danny & Ann Lafferty and what a spread greeted us there too. During our feeding and drinking frenzy we were informed of two important announcements, firstly, it was the birthday of Mrs Cathie McHugh, and secondly our very own "sherpa" Sadie McGarry won her Bowling Tie. Congratulations to both of them.

Thanks once again to the Lafferty's for putting up with us all on this most enjoyable outing.

Joe Roche.

Last Updated Sunday 23rd August 2009

Scottish Charity No13514