Braemar Castle
Today we went on a tour of Braemar Castle, an L-plan tower house built in 1628 by John Erskine. It has a colourful history having been a hunting lodge, an … Continue reading Braemar Castle
Tag: Scotland
Ballochbuie forest and the Falls of Garbh Allt
The Ballochbuie Forest is a fine remnant of the ancient Caldeonian forest which once covered much of Scotland. It was saved from being felled by Queen Victoria in 1878 and … Continue reading Ballochbuie forest and the Falls of Garbh Allt
Swimming in the Clunie River
Yesterday was another warm day and we swam in the Clunie River in Braemar. It was refreshing, crystal clear, and home to lots of juvenile trout. The trout ranged in … Continue reading Swimming in the Clunie River
Cooling off in the Dee
The temperature has reached a top of 26C today. I think this is the hottest temperature I’ve ever felt in Aberdeen. We had no choice but to cool off in … Continue reading Cooling off in the Dee
Ripping the bandaid off
I had my second Pfizer jab last night. Aside from a sore arm and feeling slightly tired I haven’t had any other side-effects. I felt a bit tired after the … Continue reading Ripping the bandaid off
Swimming at Potarch Bridge
We went for a swim at Potarch Bridge today. It was smashing and I realised that it’s the first time I’ve been wild swimming in summer in Scotland. Usually I … Continue reading Swimming at Potarch Bridge
Tomintoul
We went to the village of Tomintoul today. Many times we’ve driven through it and I’ve always thought it looked cute and wanted to linger but usually we’re en route … Continue reading Tomintoul
An adventure in Strathdon
There are two mighty rivers in Aberdeen: the Dee and the Don. Both start some 80-90 miles west in the Grampian Mountains and flow into the sea at Aberdeen. The … Continue reading An adventure in Strathdon
Bon Accord Baths
I visited the Bon Accord Baths today: a previously council-run indoor swimming pool in central Aberdeen, constructed in the 1930s in Art Deco style. The council closed the pool in … Continue reading Bon Accord Baths
The tropics of Scotland
I woke up at 2-something last night to go to the toilet, I looked out the window and it was still light! There’s just no dark at the moment which … Continue reading The tropics of Scotland
Picnic at Craigievar Castle
It was a very warm bank holiday in the UK today and since both the kids and I had the day off we went for a picnic and a walk. … Continue reading Picnic at Craigievar Castle
Aboyne stone circle and Crathes Castle
Our first weekend of car ownership has been rather nice. We can be a bit more spontaneous. With the car club you need to plan in advance and book it. … Continue reading Aboyne stone circle and Crathes Castle
The Highland road trip past Corgaff Castle
We’re back in Aberdeen and fast wifi again – yay! We loved our weekend away in Aviemore; our first trip away since Christmas last year when the whole of Scotland … Continue reading The Highland road trip past Corgaff Castle
Through the blue door … River North Esk, Angus
About 50 minutes south of Aberdeen is an outstanding walk along the River North Esk. It starts at the Gannochy Bridge, an 18th-century vaulted arch bridge about a mile north … Continue reading Through the blue door … River North Esk, Angus
This is why we don’t go to Hazlehead Park
It has been 6.5 years since we moved to Aberdeen and in all that time I’ve only visited Hazlehead Park once. This is because it’s very difficult to get to … Continue reading This is why we don’t go to Hazlehead Park
The Balmoral pyramid
Today is the first day we’ve been allowed to leave Aberdeen after almost 4 months of lockdown. It was Boxing Day 2020 when all of Scotland was put into lockdown. … Continue reading The Balmoral pyramid
Seal on the banks of the River Dee
On his walk yesterday Ben saw a seal on the banks of the River Dee and took these great photos and video. We sometimes see seals swimming in the Dee … Continue reading Seal on the banks of the River Dee
Cross-country skiing on Deeside Way
It snowed a bit more overnight last night and Aberdeen put on a brilliantly crisp and sunny day for us. Rather than going for my usual run around the park … Continue reading Cross-country skiing on Deeside Way
New tourist attraction at Duthie Park: carnivorous snowmen
It has been snowing all day today and there’s more to come tonight. I feel like I’m living in an alpine ski resort. Elizabeth and I went sledging again during … Continue reading New tourist attraction at Duthie Park: carnivorous snowmen
Sunshine and blizzards
Aberdeen put on a beautiful day today with bursts of sunshine mixed in with intermittent snow blizzards. It was a perfect day. There’s more snow on the ground than I … Continue reading Sunshine and blizzards
