A well attended outing consisting initially of 34 walkers left Aberdeen at 7 am heading for the car park at Linn o’ Dee for the start of the long iconic walk through the Lairig Ghru pass to Coylumbridge. On route we picked up an additional member at Braemar. This is the best attended early morning start that I can remember for many years.
6 members remained on the bus to travel around to the Aviemore end to do alternative walks. However on returning to Ballater, the relief driver was late due to a bus scheduling error and the group had to wait an hour and a half before continuing on the journey. This delayed 2 members who had booked lunch on the Speyside Railway steam train. Fortunately,a phone call to the company resulted in the train being held until their arrival. Others were dropped off at Boat of Garten to walk the Speyside Way to Coylumbridge and despite the later start completed this walk.
Meanwhile the main group of 29 walkers headed via Derry Lodge and Glen Luibeg to Glen Dee ascending the main path to the Pools of Dee amidst spectacular mountain scenery.A small group chose to climb Stron Riach on route to Ben Macdui descending via Lurcher’s Crag to join the main pass heading to Coylumbridge.
During the day,the weather remained dry though overcast. The path was wet and boggy in parts.
All walkers returned to the bus by 8 pm and this allowed a short refreshment stop at Dufftown before arriving back in Aberdeen at 11 pm.Despite the long day, all enjoyed this impressive walk .
Frank