I know I've said this before, but being self employed means that if the weather is absolutely glorious it is a crime not to take advantage of it, sneak off for a good walk, and then catch up with work when the weather isn't too good.  And, with snow and cold weather forecast for next week, we decided to do precisely that yesterday.

We headed off to the path that leads up to the Bone Caves.  To reach the caves you have to climb to a height of about 210m, but initially the climb is a gradual one up alongside the river, the Allt nan Uamh (Burn of the Caves).  You walk alongside this beautifully clear burn and a few mini-waterfalls

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until you reach the source - a spring which comes up out of the limestone.  It is hard to imagine that just half a mile or so away there is enough water to form such refreshing waterfalls, and it all comes from here:

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Continuing up the path to the bone caves, the refreshing water disappears completely, leaving a dry, rock filled river bed which I assume only flows when there is very heavy rain or snow melt.

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Eventually the steep climb begins, and it looks innocent enough with these tiny stone steps.

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and the start of the steep incline is watched over by what looks like a rather stern lion

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From this point on you need to gather your nerves and watch where you put your feet.  While we usually allow Peggy and Lexie to roam free in the hills, there are instances when they are kept very much on the lead!  And steep drops alongside the path is one of those instances.

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This part of the walk really isn't for the feint hearted, but if you do make it to the caves the views are rather special.

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Winding down the narrow path again, you soon find yourself back alongside the clear burn where the dogs can have a welcome drink and dip.  And with the help of one's boss, get the accidental peat bog incident washed away.

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There is so much to spot and notice along this walk.  There are many birds (and bird watchers) to be seen and listen to, and the violets and primroses are just starting to make their appearance now, changing the somewhat brown landscape into something a bit more interesting.  And if the landscape isn't colourful enough, then there are always the rocks to look at.

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and lichen to admire

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and there is nothing quite like a good walk (and a bit of fear!) to put things into perspective again.