Angus Glens Walking Festival Joins in with JM Barrie Celebrations
Fans of JM Barrie will be able to discover much more of his lifelong links to Angus at this year’s Angus Glens Walking Festival, which runs from June 3-6.
As part of celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of JM Barrie’s birth, on the opening day of the Festival, local historian Sandra Affleck will be revealing the town’s connections to the creator of Peter Pan on a gentle two-hour walk though Kirriemuir. “From the Town Hall, we’ll explore the town centre, taking time to discover those places with a strong link to JM Barrie’s life or work,” said Sandra.
“Then we’ll head to St Mary’s Church, where Barrie’s funeral was held. This will be followed by a leisurely walk to Kirrie Hill and the opportunity to experience the magic of the Camera Obscura, which was a gift from Barrie to the town of his birth. We’ll then go down through the cemetery to see Barrie’s grave, which has recently been wonderfully restored and enhanced by Brechin stonemason Tom Church. Finally, we will visit the handloom weaver’s house where Barrie was born and spent his first eight years.”
Sandra stressed that this walk is aimed at those who enjoy a leisurely amble rather than a hike. “It’s definitely for strollers!” laughed Sandra, who added that the £8 charge for the walk includes entry to both the Camera Obscura and Barrie’s Birthplace.
On Saturday, June 5, the Festival’s ‘easy’ walk around Glen Prosen Village will provide an insight into the time Barrie spent there. “In the 1930s, Barrie was a regular visitor to Glen Prosen and twice rented Balnaboth, the Glen’s ‘Big House’, for the summer,” explained Hector MacLean, who is leading this walk. “After one of his visits, Barrie wrote ‘Never have I had a happier holiday’.”
As well as providing a rare chance to go round the gardens at Balnaboth where JM Barrie entertained his many guests - including the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret and Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald - this walk will include a tour around the village and the locations which inspired some of Barrie’s best work. The Sir JM Barrie The Balnaboth Years Walk costs £12, which includes transport to and from Kirriemuir – and tea and scones at Balnaboth.
For information about the JM Barrie walks in the Angus Glens Walking Festival, including online booking, visit www.angusahead.com/walkingfestival. For information about the JM Barrie 150th anniversary celebrations, visit www.kirriemuirheritage.org.uk or www.barrie2010.org.uk