Following the unfortunate original cancellation of this walk due to extreme weather conditions, we rescheduled the outing for a week later on 18th January 2026.
A very good turnout of 26 walkers attended on the day and after a comfort stop at Ellon and the chance to drop off menu choices at the Buchan Hotel we headed to the start of the walk at the old ruined Chapel near Old Rattray.
A nearby storyboard indicated a large red granite block weighing approx 150 Kilos with the offer to try and lift the stone. There were no takers, I wonder why?
Instead we continued to follow the track along the northern edge of the Loch Of Strathbeg with the many noisy sounds of geese overhead and swans and ducks on the loch. This being a RSPB nature reserve with lookout hides for the keen birdwatchers.
After crossing over the bridge at the loch outlet we soon reached the coastal villages of St Combs and Charleston where a convenient lunch break was taken. Several of the walkers actually started the shorter walk from this point.
Continuing northwards we passed Inverallochy and followed the old railway track to reach the bridge over the river Philorth before entering the Water of Philorth nature reserve. There were many routes across the sand dunes adjacent to the golf course which allowed us to reach Fraserburgh Bay and the esplanade where our bus was parked.
All returned by 3.30pm and we set off for Ellon and our festive meal at the Buchan Hotel.
The conversations around the tables were happy and cheerful after an excellent coastal walk in good, mostly dry, weather. Thanks are due to the hotel staff who provided a wonderful meal enjoyed by all.
Kyle our driver had us back home in Aberdeen around 7.30pm.
Frank
