The original scheduled walk was to be a circuit around Loch Kinord and a visit to Burn O Vat, however storm damage and blocked paths prevented this outing,
The Committee quickly rearranged the walk and a group of 21walkers headed to the Forvie Nature Reserve for a coastal excursion. The route took us from Newburgh across the River Ythan toward the Ythan estuary where we crossed over the sand dunes to the east coast shoreline. The day was bright and sunny but with a cold chill wind blowing and during our walk along the shore we were hit by a short sharp blast of snow showers.
Heading inland for cover some visited the ruined Forvie Church and then climbed to the cliff top and around Hackley Bay to eventually reach the village of Collieston, In glorious sunshine we stopped for lunch at the small sheltered harbour. Our return route was via the Sand Loch and inland across the moor. Several walkers visited the low lying trig point (57M) just off the main track and enjoyed clear views towards the estuary and Bennachie in the distance,
All arrived back at the bus early just before another heavy snow shower and hailstones hit us. Jules our driver had us back in Aberdeen at around 4.00pm after a very good winter outing.
Frank Kelly