Rudy visited Arbroath twice in July 2021, once for a day at the beach and then again to see some local history.
- DAY ONE
- DAY TWO
- Keptie Pond & Water Tower
Keptie Pond & Park
After a very early train, Rudy visited Keptie Pond in Arbroath before breakfast time, it was very peaceful and quiet so he had plenty chance to check up on whether the ducks had missed any breadcrumbs.
Keptie Pond was used as skating pond and row boats were available for hire throughout most of the 20th Century. The pond itself is now managed by volunteers as a wildlife haven and the surrounding park a conservation area. It’s definitely a great little park for walking dogs and could even encourage Rudy to break longer journeys at Arbroath again in future!
Thistles at Keptie Pond View from Keptie Hill
Our favourite thing at Keptie Pond was the Big Bench! Rudy knows exactly how to make himself look all cute & small if he thinks he’ll get extra treats but this giant bench took him to the next level – all the treats forever for the smol pupper!
Donated by Keptie Friends for everyone to enjoy.
Part of the Big Bench Community Project, first Big Bench in Britain.
Many thanks to Mackay Boatbuilders.
Keptie Water Tower
Due to it’s prominent position the water tower on Arbroath’s Keptie Hill was designed to be ornate as well as functional. Built in 1885 to imitate a medieval tower it hides three huge water tanks which can hold almost 200,000 gallons of water. Arbroath grew quicker than imagined though and after 23 years a new water supply was chosen to meet demand and the tower no longer needed!
The view from Keptie Hill where the water tower is looks across Keptie Pond and (probably) on a clear day you can see the sea. Rudy decided that something scuffling around in the bushes was far more interesting though!
Keptie Pond is just a ten minute walk from Arbroath Station and is looked after by the volunteer group Keptie Friends who have apparently done a massive clean up in the past few years making it possible for us to visit & enjoy the park.