Walking on the Speyside Edgelands.
I followed the path surrounded by forest, field, and sky. The walk between Carron to Ballindalloch is approximately six miles. I find walking the route of the Moray Way easy (it stops me from getting lost in infinite space). The pathways ground my footsteps upon the earth. Yet, at the beginning of this walk, my mind drifted. I thought about the line I follow. My art practice focuses on in-between spaces. But, in-between what? What lies along its edges?
The edgeland has mysteries and untold stories hidden beneath its surface…
The path meanders inline with the river, and I crossed the river at Bridge of Carron. The Speyside edgeland is a mixture of agriculture, industry, and tourism. The Whisky distilleries stand dignified at the river’s edges; Carron, Knockando, and Tamdhu. Yet, the industry is beyond its edges. It connects the River Spey to the World. Curiously, I discovered that you could buy Uisge Source, Speyside water to drink with your whisky. The soft spring water has a low mineral content. It costs £5.00 for a 100ml bottle, and could be considered by some, as an international commodity!
I continued my walk past the old Blackboat railway station; listening, walking and questioning, what if edges are just an illusion. I was interrupted by the Jackdaws’ caws. The sound had no ‘real’ edges. It merged with the rhythms of rustling trees and a flowing river. The Jackdaw is a sociable creature. It doesn’t seem to mind mixing, as they often roost or flock with rooks and carrion crows. I think these delightful Jackdaws have something to prove.
Birds of a different feathers can flock together.
For information about the walk or to investigate your own ‘edgelands’ along the Moray Way, please visit, https://www.morayways.org.uk/routes/the-speyside-way/