A check of the weather forecast before leaving Aberdeen stated high winds from the west and heavy showers for the Braemar area so a decision was made to reverse the walks starting at Linn of Dee and walking eastwards to finish at Keiloch. Of the 21 walkers on the bus 3 were dropped off at the Victoria Bridge to cross the Dee at Mar Lodge to do a slightly shorter walk. The bus continued to Linn of Dee where 17 walkers alighted the bus leaving 1 walker to remain on the bus to Keiloch. 2 of the group decided to do the lower level walk to Keiloch via Linn of Quoich. The main group followed the Lui Water towards Derry Lodge before branching off to cross Clais Fhearnaig to descend into Glen Quoich. The Quoich Water was followed downstream to the Punch Bowl and the recently refurbished Queen Victoria’s Picnic Lodge where lunch was taken. The wind and rain were not as bad as forecast and the latter part of the walk was enjoyed in sunshine passing the village of Braemar and Braemar Castle on the opposite bank of the Dee to arrive at Keiloch in good time. We had a refreshment stop at Ballater and Heather, our driver had us back in Aberdeen just after 6pm.
Alan
