A late get up cost us £14 this morning – think we could’ve parked overnight for free, but as we were still there at 9:30 we got the knock on the door 🙄
Guy negotiated some tiny roads and even a mini traffic jam to bring us within striking distance of the Green Loch (An Lochan Uaine). There was a couple of miles to walk up through the woods on a carpet of pine needles – it was lovely, if a little fresh and bracing. Hat, gloves, coat, you need it all here!
The Loch really was a beautiful green colour, just as we’d been told. In a very peaceful setting, we were surprised to hear the sound of women’s voices echoing off the rocks. As we got closer, we realised it was a gaggle of very brave pink ladies in bobble hats having a Saturday morning swim whilst discussing the meaning of life. They’re made of tough stuff up here 😂🥶
Made our way back through the pine forest for lunch then drove up a dead end to where the Cairngorm funicular either starts or finishes. It was getting a bit more mountainous now and the rain came full force. The temperature was 6 degrees!
We took what we thought would be the most scenic route, following the Old Military Road for miles. Although there were lots of signs for squirrels etc, the only wildlife we saw were pheasants – loads of them, all over the road! Kept expecting the Royal Family to appear – thought we might have driven into the middle of a ‘straightforward shooting party’ 😂.
Landed in Ballater; a nice genteel little town that has suddenly turned a bit rowdy …I think it must be Saturday night.
