The main purpose of this blog is to keep in touch with friends and family, and maybe entertain others with common interests, particularly in relation to the outdoors. We hope you enjoy it, and your comments are valued....
Sue and Martin in Mallorca 2019
Saturday 27 May 2023
Saturday 27 May 2023 - Montrose parkrun #233
Friday 26 May 2023
Friday 26 May 2023 - Montrose (3)
Thursday 25 May 2023
Thursday 25 May 2023 - Montrose (2)
A day spent helping at Challenge Control in the Park Hotel. I'm not sure how doing yoga with Andy Walker helped, but who am I to judge?
An errand to Charleton strawberry farm found a few Challengers busy scoffing breakfasts and strawberries.
Wednesday 24 May 2023
Wednesday 24 May 2023 - Montrose
Goodbye Thornbank Cottage, Braemar. We look forward to our next visit.
After bumping into John Plume in Aboyne, we were treated to elevenses and cake with Bill and Bobby in Drumoak. From there it's a short drive to Montrose with some bright yellow views at this time of year.
Tuesday 23 May 2023
Tuesday 23 May 2023 - Meall Alvie
Simon (owner of Thornbank Cottage where we are staying) arrived last night and we enjoyed a good meal at Farquharson's.
A slower start today involved Sue and Simon heading up to the Linn of Dee and cycling to Derry Lodge. From there they climbed Carn a' Mhàim and Ben Macdui. The latter confounded the forecast as it was crowned by a cloud. They got back at 6:30, in need of beers.
Meanwhile, I enjoyed a 16km walk from Braemar, as far as the 560 metre summit of Meall Alvie and back. The path out of Braemar joins the Queen's Drive, from where the header picture was taken. Nice views.
The Deeside Way route is being extended to Braemar. There's a need for an off road path between Invercauld bridge and the Lion's Face path. The route has been partially built but comes to an end about 800 metres beyond the bridge (going east to west). Apparently the landowner refused permission for a 2 metre wide path across the hillside, so the project is on hold until a new plan, with the path beside the road, is approved for the 700 metre section of path involved. Hence, currently, The Path to Nowhere.
I used the new path, albeit barriers discouraged that, as it was much safer than continuing along the road.
Keiloch was reached, from where I took the track towards Felagie.
A turn right, along a much rougher track, took me to about 420 metres, leaving a steep uphill grind through deep heather and bilberry bushes to the 560 metre summit.
Monday 22 May 2023
Monday 22 May 2023 - Creag Bhalg