We had 24 walkers join us for our annual trip to Linn of Dee, including three new walkers making their first outing with the group. A very warm welcome to all of them!
With so many great walking options in the area, not only were all four of the recommended routes tackled, but two walkers also headed off to enjoy their own chosen adventures.
The forecast had suggested a cloudy day, but it couldn’t have been more wrong! Instead, we were treated to blue skies and a warm day from start to finish. Of course, this also meant the ever-present Highland midgies were out in force and determined to make their presence felt.
The group tackling Glen Quoich certainly made the most of the warm weather, enjoying a paddle in the Punch Bowl where they stopped for lunch. Meanwhile, those heading to the Red Bothy were grateful for the shelter, not from rain as in previous years, but simply to escape the heat for a while.
For those venturing higher into the hills, there were no such luxuries. The combination of warm temperatures and persistent midgies made for a challenging day, particularly for the group taking on the Corbett Sgòr Mòr and Sgòr Dubh. With very little in the way of paths, much of their day involved battling through deep heather, making for a tough but rewarding outing.
Our newer walkers opted for the munro Carn a’ Mhàim, along with a couple of regular members. They enjoyed a steady ascent to the summit and were rewarded with stunning views across the Cairngorms, making all the effort worthwhile.
By the time everyone returned to the car park, there were plenty of rosy faces, a few signs of too much sun, and lots of bite counts being compared. (my final tally is 25)
With everyone safely back and full of stories from the day, we set off for home slightly ahead of schedule. Another fantastic day in the hills, plenty of laughs, some memorable views, and a few more tales to add to the collection.
Wendy