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Had one of the most memorable days in my hill walking experience. Joined a club which, after not disgracing myself, are happy enough for me to go back!!! My pal from work wanted to come along too so I picked her up at 7am and headed on up to the meeting place, The Sauchieburn Hotel, Luthermuir for 8am.
Got there a bit early so had a swift cuppa while we waited. The hill walking club has a bus that picked us all up (11 of us) and we drove on up to Aboyne. Sometimes the club does The Fungle Road from Tarfside, ending up in Aboyne but I was told it was all weather dependant.
It was perishing in Aboyne but everyone was in good spirits for the long walk. Started off at 524 977 and followed the path upwards and through the trees along the water. Had a bit of difficulty with my hands with it being so cold, even with the 2 pairs of gloves, but once below heart level (poles too long) and much shaking and cursing, the circulation returned!!
The snow was deep in places and the path got a bit slippery at times but after putting on the micro spikes, I was okay.
We walked for about 30 minutes through the trees in a light snow shower and emerged out onto a path which opened up towards the hills. The path was excellent and dare I say, bike-able once the snow is clear??
After a while, a bothy appeared. (Think it may be for stalkers only - not sure)
The path bends in a big loop up towards the bothy, everyone was miles ahead.
Here, we stopped for our lunch. We had been walking about 2 hours and I was starving. I had a view of what I think was Carnferg with a monument at the top and, after taking this picture, we could just make out some people at the top. We didn’t hang around as the wind was picking up and really beginning to bite.
Ascent was mostly flattish for the first part
Sign posts (Quite a few of them along the route)
The Fungle comes out near a castle. It used to run through the grounds of Birse castle, but this was stopped and the path diverted in recent times.
The fence is meant to keep out ruffians such as us!
Castle
The path disappeared in the snow and the ground on the other side would have been boggy if it wasn’t frozen.
Looking back towards the castle (just make out the path on the right of the picture)
The sun was turning bright now, so the shades came out the bag. The path was easily distinguishable and ran along the sides of the hills here.
Short ascent up the side
Looking back on the path we had travelled
Stopped for a few minutes (tablet fuel stop) before the last short gentle climb. The sun had disappeared behind some clouds as we approached an electric fence.
At this point, we had 6 km left to walk; I was still a short way behind, taking pictures.
Heading down towards Tarfside
The sun was getting low now, still had about an hour’s walking to do.
Wester Cairn and Mount Battock
Hill in the distance with a spikey monument atop.
Looking back on the excellent path that was The Fungle...
Arrived back at Tarfside to the very welcomed sight of the club’s bus and after a short ride back to the Sauchieburn Hotel for the club’s High Tea, we ate a humongous meal of home cooked fish and chips, scones and jam. It was such a fantastic walk with a great bunch of people. My pal enjoyed herself, she had never done a hill walk in her life so did extremely well, enjoying every minute of it. She’s great company with the sense of humour that leaves you gasping with laughter, turning you blue when trying to climb a hill.
Looking forward to the next walk, something tells me it’s going to be a blast!