Having the luxury of long summer holidays, this year I chose Aviemore for my solo venture. A favourite destination, I have so many memories here from childhood holidays and more recent adventures with Bruce.
Arriving on Friday, I headed for a late lunch at Constables Bothy, a relatively new café above Cairngorm Mountain Sports. I wasn’t sure what to expect as it was quiet in comparison with the bustling environment it used to be (a long time ago). However, I was pleasantly surprised; staff were friendly and my toastie was good with a well dressed salad which always makes me happy.
Anagach Woods parkrun
Having visited Aviemore parkrun a couple of times, I opted to visit Anagach Woods (Grantown-on-Spey) for a change. It’s always fun to run a new route and this was no exception. A two loop course, there’s an initial short incline before the loops which means a wee ‘downhill’ finish.
Chatting to another first timer ahead of the start she advised that she’d heard it was undulating, a term used by runners to describe anything from truly gentle undulations to mammoth hills. It turned out to be the former, a slight incline at the beginning of the loop followed by a decent amount of what felt like downhill or flat running, then a gentle incline to complete the loop. I’m not sure that’s quite reflected in the Strava route profile.
I settled into a steady pace and was pleased on finishing to find that I’d been consistent in my mile laps throughout, always a good sign.
Post run, I headed for coffee at Fiona’s Wholefoods, the designated coffee shop. There, I chatted with other visitors and met one of the volunteers, Hilary. This was a very fortuitous meeting as on sharing that I’d forgotten various parts of my biking kit, the prime concern being my helmet, Hilary kindly offered to lend me one that is unused and sitting in her garage. I’m so grateful of this kindness!
Loch an Eilein
Having stopped off at Aviemore Bikes on the way ‘home’ from parkrun to seek advice on open routes, a number of trails restricted with the current wildfire, I picked up a bargain of a biking jacket and gloves in the sale. Bonus!
I was advised that the trail to Loch an Eilein was accessible so took advantage of this, changing into my biking gear and heading out. It’s been a few years since I’ve been on my bike and it was great fun to be out again. I think the new clobber will definitely be getting used on return home.
My route took me up the ski road a short distance before heading off onto the trail towards the loch. I passed the lily loch, an old haunt that Bruce and I have often passed.
Continuing on, there was a gentle pull up to the road that leads to Loch an Eilein. Reaching the loch, I followed the route around, then stopping at the shop for a cup of tea and a delicious carrot cake that I enjoyed sitting at the loch side.
Thereafter it was a very leisurely ride, predominantly downhill to get home. A short ride but definitely a fun experience to reignite my love for my bike.
Clare, happiest outdoors! 