At a sign for a massage service above Crianlarich, the paths forked as the Way turned north westward through Plantation forest. The path sloped gently uphill through stands of Sitka spruce and Lodgepole Pine. In the undergrowth was a surprising amount of fungi and in a pleasant glade we sat down and enjoyed our lunch of biscuits and fruit while occasionally heading off to document yet another fungi find. Amanita Puffball Dyer's polypore Don't know The weather, which for most of the morning had been overcast and threatening began to cheer up. Plantation forest is often quite bleak but this particular spot, being so full of fungi, did not feel as oppresive as the forests along the Pennine Way. However as we reached the top the view ahead was of a huge area that was once trees that had recently been cleared and replanted. In the valley we crossed the river Fillan and the main road. On the other side in the ever increasing sunshine we headed towards a curiously weathered sign. Curi

Old hands will remember what happened on the Pennine Way when my brand new boots started shipping water, were fire damaged and then fell apart. On my return from the Pennine Way I argued the case with the shop and got a refund. Some weeks later I bought a reassuringly expensive German make, they were made of leather, lithe, bold and handsome, and came with a two year guarantee.  Some time later on a Thursday practice walk the three of us had got together. We were walking along the Essex coast line and both Chris and Jerome were bemoaning the state of their boots because of cracks in the leather that appeared to be letting in water. Later that evening as I cleaned off the mud I found to my dismay that similar cracks were occurring. This was two months beyond the guarantee period.  So I went to buy some new boots, this time from a manufacturer which, based upon my own experience, I could trust to be longer-lasting. The first occasion I walked with them I was surprised to get a blister on