Linn of Quoich

We had a delightful walk at the Linn of Quoich today. We walked upstream along the Quoich River further than we've gone before and I found myself having to stop over and over again for photos because it was just so pretty. It was very quiet too. Practically no-one else there. Daniel pooed on the… Continue reading Linn of Quoich

Seven Bridges Walk and Knock Castle

We went on a lovely, long walk in Ballater today called the Seven Bridges. We extended it slightly to Knock Castle and all up we think it was around 6.5 miles. The walk starts at the old train station and follows the main road out of town towards Braemar initially, before turning left onto Invercauld… Continue reading Seven Bridges Walk and Knock 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 from the village of Edzell. You can park in Edzell and walk from there or there's parking beside the blue door itself and also around… Continue reading Through the blue door … River North Esk, Angus

Hand-knitted jumpers

I've spent the past few days crocheting while binge-watching Downton Abbey. It has been a wonderfully enjoyable way to spend the holidays. I finished this skirt for Elizabeth. Yesterday we went for a bike ride to the charity shop and I picked up two hand-knitted jumpers for £10 each. They are beautiful and someone put… Continue reading Hand-knitted jumpers

BBQ cabins and walks in the woods

Yesterday we went out to Deeside Log Cabins to get a part for our shed (we bought our shed from them) and they have a wonderful BBQ cabin/spa/sauna that I took some photos of. On the inside is a BBQ and very inviting seating area: A spa: And a sauna: The whole thing costs about… Continue reading BBQ cabins and walks in the woods

A lost kayak and the Queen’s Drive circuit

Some kayakers lost a kayak in the River Clunie today and we watched the rescue operation. I'm amazed anyone kayaks on this part of the river because it looks way too treacherous to me. The kayak was bobbing up and down for a long time - at least half an hour. It was caught in… Continue reading A lost kayak and the Queen’s Drive circuit

A bit of wind at Loch Muick

My father is visiting and as a day trip today we decided to check out Loch Muick. It's a large fresh water loch bordering the Balmoral estate, just south of Ballater. We have never been there before despite making countless trips to Ballater. The loch is surrounded on all sides by steep cliffs with lots… Continue reading A bit of wind at Loch Muick

Fyvie Castle

My sister rang first thing this morning sounding very upset because she had slept in and missed her flight and was consequently unable to come and visit us this weekend. We were all very disappointed and so we took off for Fyvie Castle to lift our spirits. Fyvie Castle is an enormous 13th century castle about… Continue reading Fyvie Castle