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Boxing Day was a clear, bright and cold day in the north east of Scotland - a perfect day to walk off the Christmas dinner!
We chose Geallaig (erroneously marked as "Geallaig Hill" on the OS maps). A relatively short climb with the chance of good views and the opportunity to make a good circuit of about 16km. The ascent from Braenaloin is steady rather than steep, but we made plenty of stops to enjoy the view over to Ben Avon and Beinn a'Bhuird to the west.
Even at the height of the day the sun was low in the south; we threw long shadows all day
Less than an hour and a half is needed to reach the summit of Geallaig. The trig point is surrounded by a circular cairn. Despite the relative lack of height at 743 metres, Geallaig has fine views, particularly over the Dee valley and to the Cairngorms.
Christmas turkey is of course best enjoyed around a table and surrounded by family, but Alan and I were in agreement that this may be the second best way to enjoy it - as leftovers in winter sunshine with a view like this!
Lochnagar had been in cloud most of the morning, but by mid afternoon the cloud thinned and broke to give good views of its graceful silhouette through the frosty haze.
The sun was dropping quickly as we made our way down to the summit of the Crathie-Gairnshiel road. It was stillvery pleasant though as we walked the track to meet the River Gairn and then back to Braenaloin.
A Christmas cracker!
