George McDermid's

100th Cluster Walk

Cluster Walking Group: 100th Walk

You may have read in recent newsletters that our Cluster Walking Group was about to mark a significant milestone. On Saturday 2 October the Group set out from Currie to Slateford, following the Water of Leith, on its 100th walk since its formation just over 10 years ago. 

The walks are organised by one of our Cluster parishioners, and the founder of the Group, George McDermid. However, saying that George organises the walks only hints at a small part of this lovely story.

For those who don’t know George, he is a parishioner at St Catherine’s, but you may very well have come across him at St Gregory’s and St John Vianney’s and at ecumenical gatherings. 

There are three aspects of what George does that we would like to share as we mark this milestone.

  • The first is the level of planning that George puts into every walk. A couple of days before the walk, he will head out and walk the full route. He will then email or phone everybody coming on the walk, to let them know things like what the conditions underfoot are like, and where people who don’t want to complete the full walk can drop off to catch a bus. He will identify a nice spot where we can stop, enjoy our packed lunch, and take in the beauty we are surrounded by. Where possible, he will also identify a nice hostelry close to where the walk finishes where we can retire for a well-earned refreshment! In addition to this, George researches the history of the route and things of interest along the way: as we walk, we periodically stop, and George will share that history with us. And that’s only some of the planning!
  • We often speak about our parish community and our Cluster community. Being a community doesn’t happen by accident and our wonderful priests over the years have led us in our effort to build authentic Christian communities. Numerous parishioners also contribute significantly to this ongoing work. In a very practical way George has helped build and create a sense of community over these past 10 years. People across our three parishes (and beyond) have come to know and form friendships with one another – they have experienced community. 
  • It was very appropriate that our 100th walk was taking place on the weekend that the Season of Creation was drawing to a close. George has introduced us to beautiful parts of our City, and beyond, that many of us weren’t aware of and are right here on our doorstep. Over these ten years, the walks have brought us into close contact with the wonder and beauty of God’s diverse creation and helped to renew our appreciation of, and respect for, all creation. 

A lovely by-product of these walks is that they play a part in the physical and mental wellbeing of all those who participate.

And, as if all that planning and organisation isn’t enough, George has written a book that describes many of the walks we have been on. It is well worth a read. All the sale proceeds go to charity (Edinburgh Direct Aid).

Everybody who has taken part in these walks over the past 10 years – over 50 people - would like to express our deep gratitude to George for everything he has given to us as individuals and to our community. Here’s to many more wonderful walks!