I woke up feeling pretty fresh, something of a surprise given the efforts of the last couple of days. In contrast to previous days it was really quite windy, rather than a light breeze, and checking the forecast for the hills it appeared that the wind would be strong with mist on the tops and rain arriving later. That was enough to persuade me to stay low today. I had a look at Walkhighlands to see what options I could come up with and formulated a plan that involved a few different routes from the doorstep.
A Gentle Jaunt: The Lion’s Face and the Cromlins
The most challenging of the low level local routes, I thought I’d get it in first. Starting from the centre of Braemar, I followed the finger posts to find my way.
Having not ventured far at all I came across a bird hide so had to stop for a look at the action. There are some feeders out to attract the birds and red squirrels and a regular feeding slot at 11 am; being around that time I stayed and chatted to the local folks that came out to top up the feed. I saw siskins and pigeons aplenty, but sadly no squirrels, tigers or bears, even at feeding time!
The route was good with a nicely undulating path, enough to keep my legs interested but not enough to challenge too much.
It was also well signed, so even without the Walkhighlands route guide I’d probably have managed to find my way.
As the path levelled out it became very pleasurable to run on and I could happily have kept on going did it not just lead down to the road.
Instead I had to turn back on myself to m take another good track through the woods again. The view prior to this was lovely!
The track became grassy and it may have been here (or at any point really) that a little blighter of a tick decided to come along for a ride. Thankfully I check myself regularly and at one point I noticed that it felt harder than the specks of dirt that clung to my suncream covered legs, removing it while it was still crawling! Just thinking about it has my skin crawling now!
Another undulating path followed on from this running parallel to the roadside. There was also a wee history trail along the way.
This was round about where my legs went on strike. They were happy enough with the flat, just about coping with some gentle undulation, but the sight of these steps finished it for them. They refused point blank to run any further.
Getting to the top of the steps there was a good view of Braemar and Morrone, yesterday’s summit.
I spotted a very random Christmas tree just a few feet off the main path. I honestly hope it looks better in December as it was a bit of a sorry sight today!
Shortly thereafter came another fingerpost and a big decision. To go up or back to Braemar.
I went up of course!
Creag Chòinnich
Had it been a long way up I might not have bothered, however the sign post said a quarter of a mile. I think it was slightly more but it wasn’t too far. Up at the top there were some bonny views and I got chatting to a Danish family. They’d never heard of the Walkhighlands website but have now. It should be part of the guest information in all Scottish accommodation I reckon!
Coming down was a lot easier although it was pretty steep with some steps and rocks in places so care was required. Safely down I formulated my next plan to give a few more miles for the day.
River Dee Riverside Route
Ordinarily I probably wouldn’t even entertain the idea of a riverside walk (unless it’s at home and I know there’s a coffee to be had at some point). However, I had the rest of the day to fill and there’s not much to do in Braemar itself if you’re not outdoors!
This route started on a good track and there were still views to be had as the cloud remained high.
I followed a skinny path along the river for quite a long time. This would better for walking than running in my opinion as it was almost too narrow in places and I was conscious that I didn’t really want to trip and land in the river!
Much further along, the path began to climb and it reached the road back from the Linn of Dee. I had a moment of contemplation wondering if I should just follow this back in but thought better of it as there’s no pavement or verge, instead continuing on and up to the duck pond. This did give another bonny view.
Reaching the pond I was quite delighted with myself knowing that it was all downhill from there!
Exercise done for the day, I refuelled with a late lunch at The Bothy, showered to hopefully blast off any more ticks and holed up with my book for the remainder of the afternoon.
My legs and I have now talked and agreed to give it another go. Fingers crossed!
Clare, happiest outdoors! 