Storm Frank had battered Scotland and the North East coast for the past two weeks and therefore many of our walkers were checking, with trepidation, the weather forecast for this our first walk of the new year. The forecast was mixed with another belt of rain and wind heading our way. However, it seemed to be ever changing even with only a few days until the coastal walk took place.
30 brave souls travelled the short distance from Aberdeen to our start point in the village of Collieston and despite the hint of some squally showers, the day proved to be mainly dry with occasional patches of sunshine breaking through the clouds.The walk was very familiar to most walkers as we made our way through the village towards Forvie National Nature Reserve and traversed the good cliff top footpath to eventually reach Hackley Bay and Forvie Ness. We then descended to the beach where a short visit could be made to the ruins of the old Forvie Church. The walk along the beach took us to the River Ythan estuary and we headed inland passing the large colony of basking seals. Several hundred animals were seen lying at the waters edge and swimming in the river close to shore. They appeared to be as interested in us as we were of them. Our objective of Newburgh Golf Clubhouse could be seen just across the water however we had to continue along the river bank to the bridge crossing on the main A975 road from where we walked the short distance through Newburgh to reach the golf club.
Our hosts at the golf club put on a wonderful carvery meal enjoyed by all.We also met up with additional members who had joined us at Newburgh for a shorter walk. This gave us all the opportunity to socialise in very pleasant surroundings before returning home to Aberdeen at around 7.00pm. Our thanks to Fiona and John for arranging and organising the Festive meal and no doubt a return to this venue may well be on the cards for a future year.
Frank