Commonwealth Games Medal Routes


AS PART of ThE CoMMoNWEAlTh GAMES’ lEGACy Ramblers Scotland, together with its partners SNH and Paths for All, have published over 200 Medal Routes throughout Scotland. Dams to Darnley is one of these routes.


Medal Routes consist of three short walking circuits that start and finish at the same location. The routes are designed to take approximately 15, 30 and 60 minutes (bronze, silver and gold medal walks respectively). The starting/finishing point is called a Hub. The Hubs can be a café, sports centre, library, or health centre – somewhere you can relax after your walk with a cup of tea or continue to do another activity or hobby. The Hub for the Dams to Darnley walks is Darnley Community Centre. All the walks are on good paths or short sections of pavement.


The Medal Routes have been designed to help people get to know the paths and green spaces in their local area. Adults are encouraged to take part in 30 minutes of physical activity, five days a week (children 60 minutes). Most people think physical activity means taking part in a sport, but there are lots of other ways to be physically active. One simple, affordable way of getting fitter is to go for a walk, so why not give a Medal Route walk a go.


Spotlight


The Dams to Darnley Medal Routes can be viewed at www.walk4life.info/walk/darnley-sycamore www.walk4life.info/walk/darnley-mill-pond www.walk4life.info/walk/dams-darnley-country-park


You can also contact the countryside rangers for more information.


Go for bronze, silver and gold with the Dams to Darnley Medal Routes.


on common sorrel


Common sorrel facts


• Romans and Greeks used to nibble sorrel after a heavy meal as it had a soothing effect on the stomach.


• At one time sorrel was used to take rust stains out of linen.


• Chewing the leaves is very good for quenching a thirst.


AlThouGh ThERE ARE MANy kiNdS of SoRREl, it is common sorrel (Rumex acetosa) that you are most likely to find in the country park. Common sorrel is a member of the dock family but its leaves are more slender. The shiny leaves have a distinct arrow shape and the small reddish and green flowers form in branches. Common sorrel is very common across the British isles in grasslands and open woodlands. Sorrel is one of our many edible plants and is one of the first to appear in spring. It has a lemony, tangy taste; it makes a good addition to a salad, goes well with fish and tastes great in risottos and soups. If you are cooking


Common sorrel.


using implements containing iron (including stainless steel) it is worth noting that chemicals released by sorrel can discolour metal. It is important not to over indulge in sorrel as it contains oxalic acid which is mildly poisonous and can interfere with our ability to absorb calcium that can build up in the kidneys. Oxalic acid is found in many plants we eat, including, rhubarb, spinach and beetroot. As with any wild foraging a good wild flower identification guide is essential. If you are in any doubt ask an expert!


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4