Twenty two walkers embarked on the bus for our journey to Chapeltown via Huntly, Dufftown & Tomnavoulin. The weather was fine albeit a bit on the chilly side. However it was dry & sunny with great visibility.
We had a comfort stop in Dufftown while on our way to Chapeltown & thankfully the toilets were open – well done Moray Council. Eighteen walkers alighted the bus near Braeval distillery at Chapeltown in the Braes of Glenlivet where they had a short walk back down the road to commence their walk through the Ladder Hills & eventually Bellabeg. There is a small car parking area at the start & a few signboards containing information on the Whisky Smuggler trails through these hills & our group was taking one of these clandestine routes. After a few minutes most walkers decided to don warm hats & gloves as there was a chilly breeze & it seemed sensible to keep warm. The track was very wet in areas & there were a few streams to cross so proper hiking boots were essential in order to carry out this walk in safety & comfort. The walk up into the Ladder Hills was gradual at first but got very steep in the final pull up to the top. At the top there was a stiff breeze blowing so the group decided to get lower down before taking their lunch break around 1:00 pm. Several walkers decided to summit the Corbett, Carn Mor (804m) which was nearby before joining the main group for lunch. The group continued downhill passing Duffdefiance where another stream had to be crossed (no bridge) & onwards past the Lost Art Gallery & eventually to Bellabeg where the bus was waiting. There are public toilets in Bellabeg & they were open – thank you Aberdeenshire Council.
The four walkers who remained on the bus got a surprise break at Tomintoul as the driver had reached his quota of driving hours & had to rest for 45 minutes. When they eventually reached Bellabeg they got off the bus & had walks in the area. Two walked up the main walking route in reverse to eventually meet the main group about 2 miles from the finish.
Everyone was back at the bus around 4:00 pm so there was time for a stop in Alford for refreshments before continuing onwards to Aberdeen where we arrived just before our scheduled finishing time of 6:30 pm. Gilbert