Linn of Dee / Braemar Tuesday 09 June 2015
Start: Blair Atholl
Finish: Linn of Dee
Miles walked today: 23
Total miles: 846
My alarm goes off at 6.00 and the sheep in the room doesn't wake. I'm up and walking half an hour later. The weather is perfect, clear skies, not too hot, and no wind. The route along Glen Tilt is quite straightforward and the scenery is magnificent. Early on there is a section through woods where there are many trees down which block the path, but soon I'm out in the open. The higher mountains have patches of brilliant white snow looking to me like the markings on an orca.
I spy a walker ahead of me and walk for a while with Liz. She's Dutch, and exploring the Cairngorms. Also wild camping, which puts me to shame.
A little later I hear a noise rather like a bird's call but much louder, right next to me. It's a fawn, with mum nowhere to be seen. We're both a little startled, but I grab a picture before it wanders off.
I'm trying to resist the temptation of my packed lunch. The internal dialogue is heated, but I persuade myself to get over the fords marked on the map and then stop. The first one is easy, I fill both boots at the second, and wade carelessly through the third.
It's a pleasant spot to have a break. The sun is shining, and it's warm, so I rest my boots and socks on the grass to dry and tuck into roast beef sandwiches. The path joins the road at Linn of Dee, from where it's a six mile walk to Braemar youth hostel. My intention is to thumb a lift, and either get a taxi or thumb it back in the morning. About twenty minutes before the road I meet a man out bagging Munros. He says that he's tried to do the same, and ended up walking the whole six miles. I reach the road, walk ten paces, hear a car, put out my thumb, and am taken on board by Tim, Lucy, and their dog Woody. They have been walking Woody and live the other side of Braemar. They take me all the way to the little town, an act of kindness which is much appreciated. Thank you! The perfect end to my day's walk.
The youth hostel is busy at Braemar, with people of many different nationalities all doing their own thing. Some bagging Munros, some passing through, and a few cyclists. My only concern is how to avoid a six mile walk tomorrow morning before tackling a long day over the Lairig Ghru pass.
I think I'll wait until my alarm goes off before worrying too much...
