An early morning start was needed for today’s longer distance walk into the Cairngorms. After a pickup at Aboyne, the bus with 26 walkers headed to the Linn o’ Dee car park for the start of the walk. Most walkers opted for the scheduled route to Ben Macdui while a few chose the alternatives of Sgor Mor and Sgor Dubh and others opted for Craig Bhalg returning via Clais Fhearnaigh. The day started warm, bright and sunny and a range of route options was available, particularly for the high level group, who set off via Derry Lodge and then headed northwards towards Coire Etchachan and the Ben Macdui summit returning via Stron Riach or Derry Cairngorm. Excellant views all round were evident for most of the day although cloud cover set in on the high tops later and as predicted the rain arrived at around 3pm. All groups returned earlier than the scheduled leaving time allowing a half hour refreshment stop at Ballater before arriving back in Aberdeen at 9.45pm.

Frank