Stob Coire Nan Lochan, Glencoe

The forecast for Tuesday was excellent so we headed up to Glencoe.  Ellie had finally been persuaded to come for a walk up a munro so we decided to head up into the Lost Valley and then up to the col between Stob Coire Nan Lochan and Bidean Nam Bian.

eather was clear with cloud at just over 3000ft.  Walked up into the lost valley were the sound of the stags roaring was eerie.  We came across a stag and group of hinds just above the path as it contoured up to the head of the valley.

We took the right hand branch up to Stob Coire Nan Lochan which was seriously eroded.  We got to just below the col but had to turn round as we were running out of time.  Never the less, we almost made our target and a good day was had by all.

Crarae Gardens

Last week saw us on half term holidays and over in Oban.  Weather wise a great week with only one really wet day.

After a chill out day on Saturday, involving a lot of baking followed by an evening in front of "Strictly" we managed to lever Julie and Isobel out of bed at a reasonable hour and headed round to Crarae Gardens near Inveraray.  Weather was beautiful and the gardens autumn colours did not dissappoint.  We walked round just about every path in the place.  One particular highlight was the a patch of Sorbus Vilmorinii that was solid with pink berries.

The views from the top of the garden were breathtaking in their clarity.  The views up the glen were also very beautiful although the autumn colours were probably not quite at their best.

Busy Weekend

It was a  busy weekend.  Started off with an early start on Saturday, Ellie leaving Aberdeen at 7AM  for an away match at Aberlour.  Promoted to playing half a match for the A team so another step forward.  She kept a clean sheet and made 3 good saves in a 1-0 win so a good result and a happy Ellie.

Isobel meantime had a slightly more laid back start to the day.  She was playing for the S3 A Team in a home match against Gordonstoun. A tight first half ended 2-2 but they got their act together in the second half to win 6-2.

Looking South from Derry Cairngorm

Sunday was Isobels turn to have an early morning.  She was heading off to the Cairngorms with the hill walking club, leaving Aberdeen at 7.30AM.  They went into Derry Cairngorm from Lynn of Dee,  They cycled in to Derry Lodge then went up the ridge to Carn Crom and then along to Derry Cairngorm, then dropping down to Loch Etchachan and then out past the Hutchison Memorial hut and out along Glen Derry.

Loch Etchachan

Hutchison Memorial Hut

A rather exhausted girl returned to Aberdeen at 7pm!

Meanwhile the stay at homes had a lovely autumnal walk along the don and then back through the forest.  A good haul of conkers was obtained on the way!!