The weather was fine and not too cold for a February morning for the departure from Aberdeen. There was a good turnout of thirty-two walkers for the journey to Mintlaw Station, where one walker was dropped off, with the rest remaining on the coach for the journey to the start of the walk at White Cow Woods. The walk was varied through woodland, farmland with open views and finishing with a walk beside Pitfour Lake. There were interesting detours along the way to the Observatory and a stone circle, now easier to find due to the felling of the forest that had surrounded it. A few walkers also made a larger detour to visit the ruin of Deer Abbey, a monastery dating from the 13th century. Everyone was back to the coach in good time, and refreshments were enjoyed in the Inn at Mintlaw Station before the return to Aberdeen.
Janet