Troup Head trip or was it simulation?

[litljortindan]

Hadn't registered before that the WH Five Farms route indicates the existence of a path that I don't think was there the last time I walked to Troup Head so I went to investigate. I only walked from Crovie to Troup Head but will return for the full loop at some point, maybe even starting via St John's church.
Anyway, quite a few gravel paths have sprouted into existence in the area in recent years. Not quite sure who has built them but I got the impression the land owners got grants for giving up land to convert to paths. Whoever it was they have certainly aided outdoors accessibility. There are some indications here of what paths have been planned and/or built:
https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/media/7509/aberdeenshirenorthcorepathplan.pdf
There's more here that provides background and suggests this might have been happening nationally too:
https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/paths-and-outdoor-access/core-paths-plan/general-information.
In fact I see there is a national core path map but I guess it doesn't indicate planned improvements:
https://www.nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/routes-explore/local-path-networks


Spring has sprung!




The view WSW across Gamrie Bay to More Head, taken from just opposite the lower carpark. Crovie houses in the foreground.


More Head and Bin of Cullen.


Looking back at the carpark from the track up behind Crovie.


Gardenstown houses visible top left.


Gardenstown harbour.


Locals are friendly.










An itch to scratch.










The way ahead.






A grassy track detours off the main path for views east and west.




The burn of Burnmouth presumably.


View to More Head with Knock Hill just visible on the horizon.




View in the Troup Head direction.






Bowman's Hole.


Brown Hill trig point. Not the most exciting sight of the walk.


View west.






Used to be a rough grassy path from Troup Head to this point so the new(ish) path is quite an improvement (if you like a nice path to walk on).


Bin of Cullen.


Continuation to Troup Head. It was near here that I climbed back over the fence and managed to get my trailing leg caught on the fence and that somehow propelled me sideways so that I landed on my right-angled arm/elbow. Probably amusing for anyone to witness but as there wasn't anyone else there did it really happen? Had it been on a football pitch there might have been uproar at a blatant simulation but I can tell you there was definite contact between my left foot and the fence.. As an experienced tripper-over I simply braced myself for the impact then dusted myself down, hoping for no unusual or new aches/pains.


Beneath Troup Head.


On the way back there was a little bit of light to disturb the gloom.








Encountering the clan again.


Who's going first?


Siblings.


Leading the way.




Did you get my best side?


Stragglers.








Prime-ministerial.

[Alteknacker]

Nice part of the world, with some nice denizens.

Didn't they at least smile at your mishap...???

[litljortindan]

Nice part of the world, with some nice denizens.

Didn't they at least smile at your mishap...???

The sheep and birds might have had a wee chuckle.