Todays` walk between Dunphail and Grantown on Spey attracted 25 enthusiastic hikers for a 15 mile walk, 21 were on board by the time we left the Duthie Park with 3 getting on at Bucksburn and 1 just outside Inverurie. We reached the first drop off point of Dunphail at 10.30 where nineteen of the group alighted before heading south to Dava where five more were dropped off and one stayed on till Grantown. Although slightly cloudy it stayed dry and despite a cool breeze early on it soon warmed up. Everyone enjoyed relatively easy walking on what used to be the Forres – Grantown railway with no noticeable ascent and several information boards along the way. After the summit indicator we started the descent to Grantown with a couple of signed diversions due to a farm being built across the original track bed. (Two keen members detoured to have a look at the rocks above Huntly`s cave.) The smaller group reached Grantown about 3pm followed very soon after by one of the group who started at Dunphail. There was plenty time for refreshments and a chat, in a couple of cases some food was consumed. We were able to leave ½ hour early and were back in Aberdeen around 7.30pm, thanks to our driver, Kyle. Hamish
