Our group left from Aberdeen and, with some pickups on route at Bucksburn and Blackburn, the bus with 24 walkers headed for the start of our walk at the cycle trails car park near Tillyfourie.
The day was bright and dry but cold with evidence of icy tracks as we headed up hill on a good forestry track towards Whitehills stone circle. Marker posts guided our way as we contoured around Green Hill to reach a point where half the group ascended towards Cairn William and the trig point. The remaining party continued on the lower track for a short distance then headed up towards the path between Cairn William and Pitfichie Hill . The higher level route was clear but windy on the top and care was needed descending the zig -zag path to reach the track between the hills.
We then headed downhill around Pitfichie Forest where lots of log piles were evidence of recent tree felling work in this area. Indeed the forestry track was blocked off due to continuing felling operations resulting in us diverting onto the secondary road at Ord Mill where we passed an unusual topiary hedge with various sculptures. Heading South we passed PItfichie Castle to reach Monymusk where our bus was parked, This area is a popular cycle trail route and we passed several mountain bikers during the day.
All returned in good time before we headed to the Leys Hotel, Blackburn where we enjoyed a festive meal and an opportunity to socialise before departing home to Aberdeen arriving at around 7.00pm.
Thanks are due to Janet for organising and arranging the hotel meal.
Frank