Day 11, to Ballater

 

I bounced, well actually it more of a thud, out of bed at 6.45am to kettle and breakfast-type noises rising from the kitchen. My half-dozen room-mates were still sound asleep although Alan soon stirred and threatened to get up for a cup of tea. I slunk (is that a real word?) downstairs as quietly as possible – not easy in walking boots and carrying a pack.

A welcome mug of tea was thrust into my hands – I had a mouth like Ghandi’s flip-flop. Not nice. Jeanette, knowing I had to be away pronto, put me at the top of the bacon butty list. What a star she is!

Lynsey came up from her tent to see me off which was nice, then Alan made a brief appearance for tea before heading back to his bed for more much-needed sleep.

Dave Pickles, ?, and Lynsey at breakfast

It was hard to leave, I had once again had a marvellous time at Callater and I felt quite rude making such an early start whilst so many were still asleep – it seemed almost ungrateful.

I left the lodge with a heavy heart although cheered by the warm sunshine and thoughts of walking to Ballater in good company.

I arrived at Kate’s at around 9.30am to find my navigator sunning herself in the garden. I treated myself to a shower, shave, two mugs of coffee and a second breakfast before we headed off to Ballater via the Lion’s Face, a pleasant woodland footpath that avoids a long road walk.

We soon caught up with Nik and ended up walking as a threesome for quite some time. Nik had suffered an airbed disaster – her Pacific Outdoor Equipment airbed had failed catastrophically and she’d had to fork out £125 for a Neoair from the outdoor shop in Braemar. Not what you need on a trip like this.

Louise knew of another path through the Ballochbuie Forest that would ultimately take us to Balmoral without encountering any tarmac. It’s good to have the navigator on side!

An enjoyable lunch stop in pleasant sunshine, close to Connachat Cottage, gave Louise’s tootsies a welcome rest. She’s incredibly resilient and pain tolerant – she’d already proved that by putting up with me for most of the trip! Having seen the state of her feet I don’t think many blokes would have been able to continue very far, let alone finish the trip.

Whilst we sat on a grassy bank enjoying (enduring?) bread rolls filled with squeezy cheese, a small lunch party was being held for a couple of anglers at the cottage. They had probably paid a huge amount of money for the privilege. It looked a grand affair. We were later to learn that other Challengers passing that same way a little later had been offered beers. Perhaps we looked just a little too unsavoury!

The Memorial at Connachat Cottage

Hairy Coo

Baby Hairy Coo….lost

Louise had been harbouring a secret that she now let out of the bag: we had been invited for (second!) lunch at Laura’s in Crathie – conveniently on our route into Ballater. The promise of real food, at a real table, sat on real chairs was an opportunity not to be missed. So we didn’t! Laura, you may remember, had to withdraw from the Challenge. We were both very keen to catch up with her to hear her tales of woe.

With Nik at Balmoral (Her Maj was out)

We left Nik to enjoy the comforts of Balmoral whilst we carried on to our lunch date. A very enjoyable hour was spent over an excellent soup, lots of tea and good conversation. Thanks Laura – you’re a star!

Our next few miles involved of lots of tarmac, as it was around teatime the road traffic was getting heavy. Entering the outskirts of Ballater we were able to join a very welcome riverside footpath that took us right into the centre.

Louise had booked herself into the Habitat Bunkhouse in Ballater, the place was full of Challengers so she would be in good company. I headed to the campsite, the same site that offered refuge to storm-battered Challengers on Stormy Monday the previous year.

I camped next to two lads from Ireland, they hadn’t managed to get on the Challenge. Because of the logistics involved, they walked their route anyway (and good for them!). They were good company, but to my shame I can’t remember their names. Nik arrived on the campsite too, now we had the makings of a party!

There were other Challengers on the campsite too, notably Doug Bruce (on his 10^th crossing) and Richard Baker – both were clad in kilts.

Louise and I met up later to grab a meal at the hotel / pub and were delighted to find, amongst others, Colin Tock and Roger Hoyle – two very fine chaps indeed. We were soon joined by Martin & Sue and even more Challengers and a jolly evening was enjoyed by all. Both the food and beer at the Alexandra Hotel were very good indeed.

It was late when we all left, some were staying at the Alexandra, others at the Habitat Bunkhouse. Me? I was in my Akto, snug as a bug in a rug. Well I was until…..