Blackford Pond and the Hermitage of Braid

 We're continuing our staycation! Today we wandered round Blackford Pond and the Hermitage of Braid. 

 The pond is home to a family of Mute Swans, whose seven cygnets are now well grown. Here are some photos that Crafty Green Boyfriend took 

 

 and a photo of mine 

 

The swans aren't the only birds with youngsters on the pond. There's also a family of Dabchicks (Little Grebes)

and a Moorhen with young

We then walked past Midmar Paddock (sadly threatened with a housing development) 

 

though the Hermitage of Braid, along the Braid Burn