After a week of pretty awful rain I decided we were getting out for a proper walk regardless of the weather. So when Friday came we headed off to our favourite woodland at The David Marshall Lodge, Aberfoyle. As per the rest of the week it was pouring down, fortunately by the time we got to Aberfoyle the rain had stopped and it was just cloudy.
I wrapped the boys up in several layers and their KoziKidz fleece lined waterproofs from Wet Wednesday’s and we headed off. Unfortunately the rain started as we started out on the path down to the waterfall and it got heavier, and heavier throughout the rest of our walk. The boys were both fairly happy and so we continued on regardless.
We took cars with us to play with on the paths, although A was much more interested in watching the burns running under the path. I even caught myself doing exactly what my parents did with me as a small child – holding the back of his jacket so he didn’t fall in! O has always been cautious near water, but A is more like I was and would just step straight in over his wellies!
Myself at 3 years old, note the hand on my hood!
We had a quick wander down to the waterfall, which was quite full and fun to watch, but as the rain was pelting down we headed back under the cover of the Norway Spruce.
O’s favourite area is still the channels and sluice gates that you can lift out to play with and even in the heavy rain he was happily playing with his car in the water.
He was even kneeling in the water at times yet later on he wasn’t wet at all (aside one foot, whose welly came off in a muddy bog…), amazing waterproofs!
Master A was ready for a nap at this point and so he snuggled into my back in the carrier for a cosy sleep while his brother played. The hood on the carrier is great for keeping his head up and the rain off his face whilst he sleeps.
I finally managed to convince O to walk round to the wildlife hide across the river, via a particularly boggy route. Unfortunately one of his wellies came off and he got a very wet foot.
Welly sorted we headed over the bridge and saw a red squirrel bounding along the path ahead of us, we followed it all the way up to the hide, where it sat on top of the feeder, diving in and out for peanuts.
As it was still heavy rain we stayed in the shelter of the hide for a snack before walking back down to the river and up to the ‘hobbit houses’.
O enjoyed climbing over the top and driving his car over the rocks, whilst A explored and ran crazily over the mound above the tunnels.
We had been out in the rain for over 2 hours so I managed to persuade the boys continue round to the log bridges and finally back to the car (via the visitor centre as apparently we have to visit no matter how hungry or tired they are…).
A lovely morning out despite the heavy rain. It goes to show that you just need the right clothes. I am certainly jealous of their waterproofs as my own jacket is no longer as waterproof as it once was. I have also noticed that the boys waterproof dungarees even have a hook to hang them up, which is great when they need to be hung up to dry!
Have you been out in the rain this week?
J x
Training Mummy says
Looks a lovely place for an adventure! Will have to look it out if we are down that way in the summer.
Sarah says
What a beautiful place, I just googled to check exactly where it is, but you really are a long way from us. We have a dog, so walk each day rain or shine. Decent waterproofs really do make the world of difference, I think the hook to hang them up is a genius detail, great to know that the designers have really thought about their product 🙂
At home with Ruth says
I have been soaked to the skin a few times this week walking to work. It’s not too bad as, working in a hydrotherapy pool, it is so warm when I get there, my clothes dry in no time! I must buy a new coat or attempt to re-proof mine!
How lovely to see a red squirrel. We’ve only ever seen them as a family on a trip to Centre Parcs. And well done for getting out in such awful weather! #whatevertheweather
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) says
The woodland looks amazing – a waterfall and everything – wow! It is still stunning despite the rain and sounds like the little ones had a LOT of fun because of the rain! It’s all about the clothing… Thanks for hosting #whatevertheweather xx
Let kids be kids says
Well done for going out in the rain. You are right, you just need the right clothes. It looks like a good fun walk. I love woodland walks and with all those puddles and muddy bogs to play it must have been fantastic!
Lucy says
That waterfall is beautiful. Rather jealous of your red squirrels as well – down here we only have the grey variety, which my husband describes as rats with bushy tails. #whatevertheweather
helen gandy says
What a gorgeous place to walk, sound weird but I’d love the smell of it after the rain hehe. Thanks for hosting #whatevertheweather
Melody says
Oh my! Why didn’t you invite us to come too? 😉 Thumbs up for going out in the rain. Those waterproofs is what we need in our lives and nothing can stop us going out and abouts like you said, you just need the right clothes. I love all your photos in action. xx
Minh says
What beautiful surroundings – especially the waterfall. Looks like a great outing all in all.
Nadia - ScandiMummy says
This looks like such a beautiful place and the boys seem to be having a fab time. Thanks for sharing #whatevertheweather
Maestromummy says
Love this! I’ve just subscribed ?
Sarah says
I love waterproofs…got myself some fab waterproof trousers this year in the hope that I can be out whatever the weather!
Lisa (Travel Loving Family) says
This looks so much fun:) It is so true, that dressed appropriately, kids are happy to stay out in all weathers! #Whatevertheweather
Annette says
Wow, what a beautiful walk, and I have to say your boys waterproofs look very smart ?. I have yet to take button on an adventurous walk like this, so your share has been a great inspiration! #whatevertheweather
Seychellesmama says
Wow this looks like an amazing place to go for a walk, so pretty and loads of things along the way to keep the kids entertained!!! Their waterproofs sound like they more than handled the challenge and I love that they are so brightly coloured too not just plain!
Thanks for hosting X
wendy says
What a fun walk, the boys look like they really enjoyed. We went for a walk in the rain this week too, sometimes you just have to get out the house regardless of the weather don’t you?Those waterproofs look amazing, I could do with something like that. I hope the welly was ok after it’s mishap in the bog 🙂 xx #whatevertheweather
Harry's Honest Mummy says
When you say that the dungarees have a hook so it is great for hanging them up, I take it you weren’t referring to whilst your boys were still in them? 🙂 It would be a novel way to get them dry!
My mum always used to say “you won’t go rusty” when I used to moan about being out in the rain. Typically I find myself saying exactly the same things now. As long as you have the right clothing – which quite clearly you look like you have – then you can still have a great time.
Lovely photos #whatevertheweather
Little Fish says
Wow – looks like your boys had fun, despite the weather! And everything looks so fresh and green! Like my husband likes to say “There’s no such thing as bad weather… just poor equipment.” Looks like your boys had the right equipment! Thanks for hosting. I’ll be back! x
Sarah says
I am missing the woods! We haven’t been in a couple of weeks – the waterfall looks beautiful – right, this weekend I think we will have to go out even if it does rain! Sarah #whatevertheweather
Annelise Pilkington says
What a beautiful place! It looks like you guys had a fantastic time on your walk, the waterfall looks particularly lovely.
Elizabeth says
What a fantastic day out! I think this goes to show we can’t just wait for the sunny weather to appear – we have to make the most of it!
A Moment with Franca says
What a lovely day out in the woods!!! There is always something so refreshing about going out for a nice walk and have some fresh air even though is wet and dark! Kids always love playing in the paddles so you always know they that will have a good time regardless. Lovely photos!! Thanks for hosting #whatevertheweather 🙂 xxx
Rebekah says
Wow! What a beautiful place for a nature walk! We had a lot of rain a couple of months ago. It finally stopped and as we were out got stuck in a down pour a mile away from our car! It was an adventure! Looks like you and your kids are troopers! Thanks for hosting!
Chloe says
Wow what a beautiful place. I can’t believe it’s got a waterfall (we don’t have anything like that here) and those little hobbit houses are so sweet. The clothes are amazing aren’t they. I love your pictures, it’s so nice just to let them play in the water. The picture of you is so, so sweet too! 😀 xx
Jenny Eaves says
Definitely! It’s got a lovely little interactive wildlife info. Area, cafe with good food and Go Ape for when they’re bigger too. 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Ha ha, yes, we’re generally mikes away from most bloggers! Although I now now a few in Scotland! 🙂 they really are fab waterproofs. 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
I definitely need some re-proofer, on my list of things to buy! Red squirrels are great, if you visit the Loch Lomond and Trossachs area you’ll find loads! 🙂 xx
Jenny Eaves says
Definitely all about the clothing, we just can’t stay indoors for so long, need to get out whatever the weather! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
The kids loved it and it really doesn’t matter if you’re dressed right! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Ha ha, that’s what we think of greys too and then there’s the joke to run them over when they go in front of the car, but I just can’t do it. It’s not their fault their grey! We are on an edge where there are greys in our town, but head half an hour away and it’s reds, hopefully the reds will increase their numbers more! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
I’ve heard others say the same, but my sense of smell is practically useless (except when I’m pregnant!!). 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
You should definitely get some decent waterproofs, well worth it for getting out in our rain and snow! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Thank you, it is a beautiful area! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
They love it there, our favourite place to visit whatever the weather. 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Thank you very much! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Hope you are, being outdoors can almost always be fun (aside Gail force hail and other extremes…), even in the rain. 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
It certainly is! Thank you! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
You should definitely try, it’s so much fun for them and with the right clothes and wellies they’ll be very happy! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
They definitely are lovely patterns, O’s orange owls are often complimented by people we walk past. We love this walk, our favourite place to visit. 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Ha ha, was wet but dried out, not the first time one has been soaked, they often go in water too deep!! Getting out in the rain is definitely with it sometimes! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Lol, no, it’s definitely on the inside and only for hanging without children inside! I love that we often repeat what our parents said, I always notice after
I say something! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Thanks, we definitely have got some good waterproofs! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Hope you managed to get out in the woods, we definitely love our woodlands! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Thank you! It is gorgeous! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Definitely! A week of rain will not keep us indoors! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Thank you! Puddles are great fun, as are streams and anything else they can get into! I definitely need fresh air each day, I hate being stuck indoors for too long! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Hope you were prepared for the rain?! It’s hard when you’re not expecting it, but adventures are great to talk about afterward! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
We have plenty of waterfalls up here, this one is particularly beautiful though. Thank you, I like that photo of me as a child too! 🙂 x
Mudpie Fridays says
Great photos! Those wet weather clothes sound and look amazing for them still to be dry inside! Ours wouldn’t be any good! I know what you mean when you need to get out! Thanks for hosting #Whatevertheweather xx
Jenny Eaves says
Thank you! Yes, we all have those days when we know we’re not going to stay inside despite the weather! Fingers crossed for the competition then, you can get great waterproofs from Wet Wednesdays! 🙂 x