Definite improvement in the weather today: very little wind and no rain. This coincided with Julia and Allan going home: we drove them to the airport this morning, arriving in good time for their flight, which was delayed for 30 minutes. Not that we knew anything about that; we were on our way to Drum Castle, where we had a guided tour followed by lunch and a walk round the chapel and gardens. Very enjoyable.
Back to last Tuesday, when there was quite a chilly wind and some rain in the first half of the day; then sunny and quite warm at times (in the sun). After breakfast we drove up the Tomintoul road; stopped by the Watchers, but it was very windy and cold, so progressed to the Well of Lecht. Still cold, though less windy. Decided not to walk to the mine. Drove back to the Lochnagar Distillery, but no tours available. Then on to Loch Muick road, where I checked the place where the Birkhall road had fallen into the Waters of Muick. They’re doing a good job of covering it up, blocking the entrance completely.
On to the Loch, where there is a new parking place nearer the visitor centre. Parking charge £5. We walked a fair way down the path, considering Allan’s problems, and got a good view of it as well as of a sizeable herd of deer. Back to Ballater – road very quiet. Later we walked round town a bit to increase steps, and I bought wine and a Telegraph from the Co-op. Then had whisky Julia had purchased at the Distillery – very nice (from Islay). Fish and chips for supper – very good. Watched a couple of programmes, including Masterchef.
Wednesday was mostly quite mild and dry, but rain and cooler in the evening. Drove up to Glen Shee, only to discover that the cafe and Cairnwell chairlift were both shut on Wednesdays. A couple of motor cyclists shared our amazement. So instead we drove back down to Braemar (back lane) and then on to Linn of Quoich, which has been transformed by a new bridge, taking the road round a corner and leading to a new path up to the Linn footbridge. Cars not allowed beyond the usual parking place, which happily was free with our NT for Scotland membership.
Taking it very slowly, we got Allan up the Linn, which was beautiful as always. I came back by a different route, which turned out not to be a good idea – marshy and difficult. Back into Braemar, where we ventured inside the Fife Arms but eventually settled for a delicious scone in the nearby tea shop. Bought a couple of shirts over the road. Then back to Ballater. Had evening meal at Clachan Grill, which has gone a bit upmarket. Sirloin was excellent. Higbees paid: earlier paid for petrol too. Despite Julia’s misgivings, we managed to walk home afterwards.
Thursday was mainly quite mild, but cooler in the Cairngorm area. Forgot how long a drive it is: felt quite tired at the end of the day. Straightforward drive, though; new £3 parking fee. Got funicular at 12 (they run half-hourly) and had lunch (sandwiches and tea), then went out on to viewing area. Plenty of snow on neighbouring peaks, but not much visible from viewing area. Exhibition much reduced, but an excellent panoramic film. Shop much the same; very expensive stuff.
Another cup of tea, then down and drove to Loch Eilean, which was rather lovely and deserved a more thorough exploration. From there through Aviemore and home, via Boat of Garten. Dropped Dot off to buy a few things for supper. Then FTd David – his 51st birthday – and had long conversation with him and Chrissy about his work and about his childhood, which he said he enjoyed. Lovely to hear. After supper watched a bit of Masterchef and a programme on Sri Lanka, which wasn’t very impressive.
Friday was a very pleasant day; quite warm. Drove to Balmoral, and dropped off Julia and Allan by gates before parking. As an unanticipated result they paid for our tickets; so we paid for lunch later on. Spent a long time walking round the grounds, featuring the usual spots, including the ballroom. Allan lasted remarkably well. Back in Ballater by 2pm, for tea in the garden. Later had evening meal at the Green Inn, now a very good Italian. Excellent starter of trout and avocado on toast. Home by 8.30pm.
Saturday was dull but mainly dry, with spots of light rain off and on. Heavier rain started in the evening and lasted all night. Julia was quite tired; so they rested while Dot and I walked halfway round the river walk (from the Bridge of Gairn end), coming back across the golf course and into Golf Road near the RC church. Then we all walked to the station for lunch – chunky sandwiches: not over-enthused, though the woman in charge was excellent. Looked round info centre and a couple of shops; it started to rain, so I walked home, buying a Telegraph from the Co-op, partly to protect my head! Others continued tour of town, and Allan bought a walking stick.
Before supper Dot and I drove to Cambus O’May bridge and saw someone dive in. Then checked in at Burn O’Vat car park, which was full, and visited our favourite riverside parking spot beyond the sawmill. Saw a heron. Had sausage and mash for supper and watched two fairly awful TV programmes – Palin on the Himalaya without mountains, and a repetitive documentary on the five royal grandchildren.
Yesterday we woke up to find the rain had stopped, but it was very misty and damp all day, with quite a lot of light rain. Drove to Crathes Castle – very interesting inside, and nice lunch in the cafe. Visited wood-turning demonstration and bought a couple of things, then a bracelet for Dot from the gift shop. Drove past Ella’s, then to our favourite spot on South Deeside again, but low cloud meant Morven was invisible. Later Dot and I walked across the golf course to the river, then along and back. Right hip started hurting, and later had a headache. Must be the weather. Got fish and chips – shop very crowded. Watched Simon Reeve in Peru and Bolivia. Fascinating stuff and quite disturbing. Early night.