Finishing the Coast-to-Coast Walk

On the last day of Rod's team's 'Challenge' I went to meet them, passing through Stonehaven Harbour and walking up the cliff path toward Dunnottar Castle.

They'd already been down to touch the water, and now we walked back toward the harbour for a few pints of beer and a good meal . . .

Stonehaven

Every day, the sea brings something different. Maybe just fresh air, perhaps a simple shiny stone, always a new mode of thought.

A Story in Pictures

A sunny afternoon and a mission. Heavy rucksack on my back, carrying a replacement waterproof coat for one of the challengers, and more, I set out to meet them somewhere between the road and . . . that peak up there.

I walked . . .

and walked . . .

and walked . . .

further and further . . . wondering what I'd do if I didn't meet them or see them in the distance on the hill . . .

And suddenly from within the wood came a figure - the right figure - and before I'd got my finger on the camera he'd found a seat and was inviting me to sit down.
Then the next team member turned up . . . and soon all four were together enjoying the goodies from my rucksack (fresh fruit, cream cake, hot tea).

We watched the lambs at play and basked in the evening sunshine. . .

Then soon it was time for the challengers to seek a suitable camp site and settle for the night.


And I made my way home, the sun behind me, the colours and shadows ever more dramatic.

Before getting out of sight I looked back . . .

and they'd put up the two tents already. (They are in the centre of the picture: click on it to magnify it, they are so far away the quality is lost. Luckily, I am not.)

Meeting the Challengers

Walking from the West coast of Scotland to the East coast, there are a few hundred who converge in Braemar, a popular midway point. They are mad, fit, bound with a special camaraderie. They make the most of the luxury of a Bed & Breakfast stop because mostly they are camping in the wilds and eating reconstituted foods.

It's a chance to get cleaned up, dried out, rested . . . and well fed.

The view from the restaurant brought a surprise.

Cheers!

A Walk to Get the Papers

Instead of a long straight road, I can take the old railway line . . . sheltered, tranquil, and full of surprises.

Can you see the rabbit?

It is there, honestly. Look carefully. (Apologies to sight impaired: the rabbit is a clever creature.)

More pictures

Underfoot and all around, nature provides a feast

Wildlife

Have you ever noticed the Dusk Chorus? Country folk go on about the dawn chorus but we all - late risers particularly - can hear the dusk chorus anywhere in UK. We seem to have a chimney pot that's attractive to birds who take it in turns to sit and sing. The chimney's metal-lined for the gas fire and acts as a sound box so we're treated to some lovely renditions, not only at dusk but during the frequent rain showers too.

I don't creep around trying to photograph wildlife but we often see deer and red grouse whilst out walking. Snakes or slow worms bask in the sun and rabbits seem very clever at freezing so still that you lose sight of them camouflaged on the soil or in heather.

I'd never heard of capercaillie until I came here.

Onward and Upward

The right shoes, the right speed, walk tall and keep moving - you can cover a long way in a short while. Carry sustenance: a small drink, a simple crispbread, an apple. You also need a sunhat, a waterproof coat, sunglasses and scarf or earmuffs if either are essential for you. Be prepared for everything the weather might throw at you because it probably will.

This is the beauty about Scottish weather (the East side anyway) - it never stays the same for long, so you get plenty of variation. Very good for changing your mood.

Our back garden - our hoose [sic] is on the right

THIS is a GOOD path

No photo ever shows the steepness or the ankle-wrenching cobbles and rocks on the paths and non-paths, tracks and non-existent routes that lead to the best parts of the high ground.

Tourist routes and 'metalled roads' are not for us; they make your feet ache more, give you blisters and in my case make my knees feel dislocated. But you do have to watch every step on the stoney ground so as not to lose your footing, bend an ankle and sprain it or worse. It can mean you miss seeing the scenery and it can mean you can't hurry. Going up is easier than coming down although the internal combustion heat can get a bit much.

Can you see the rain?

This Wonderful World

It was my intention to call this blog "This Wonderful World" but the title was 'taken'; an indication, perhaps, of how cliched the name would sound. None of these pictures will look as wonderful as they do to me in the fresh air with the sun beating down one minute and the rain threatening to ruin my camera the next but I hope you'll get a taste of the experiences of these beautiful sights.