UP THE GLEN 149 



some of the taller climbing far up on the opposite 

 side. I must have passed the little house upon the 

 hill, then, as at other times, quite unconscious of 

 the immortality in reserve for that unpretentious 

 structure, and the thriving trade it was destined 

 to do in refreshments, with those indefatigable 

 pilgrims and hero worshippers who are determined 

 to be disillusionised. 



Which of these side glens, leading a varying 

 number of miles into the very heart of the 

 Highlands, was I to take ? Three complete and 

 several broken ones were available ; to all of which 

 Kirriemuir with a possible rival in Alyth was, 

 so to speak, the lodge. This special morning I 

 chose that of Clova. 



The only way of getting there was on foot. On 

 certain days a coach ran, but this did not happen 

 to be one of them. Even had it been, it is 

 questionable if I would have taken a seat. It was 

 no privation. And I strongly advise those who 

 love the Highlands, and wish their love to con- 

 tinue, never to get on a coach where the distance 

 is walkable. One who has not a pair of legs, or 

 the will to use them, should stay at home. The 

 plague of cycles had not then broken out. 



The delight of the start comes freshly up as I 



