Although the night had been gusty, it didn’t trouble us and by the time we got up and got our kit together all the others who had camped close to the main house, had all gone.
The only disturbance during the night was a little rodent visitor in Lee’s Scarp. Who apparently was waiting for him in the entrance after he got out to water the roses and stare at the stars!
The walking into Ballater took place in fine weather and we decided to take the slightly longer route before joining the road, as last time the shorter direct route to the small bridge had been a massive wet bog.
Once on the road, it became a yomp and we all took it in turns to discuss anything to pass the time. Politics, our work, family issues but mainly gear and what would make the ideal rucksack, tent, stove and so on. Anyone who has done this will know what I mean!
The weather was perfect and the welcome at the Alexandra Hotel in Ballater as warm as ever. From what I hear Braemar was a ghost town by comparison. They couldn’t do enough for us and managed to fit everyone in for refreshments, food and in Lee and Tony’s case, accommodation. Which just goes to show that spending the afternoon sitting at the bar is never wasted 🙂
The drink drive laws have changed in Scotland to virtually zero tolerance and I was interested to hear from the hotel owner the impact it had made on the business. Apparently they are down by at least 20% across the board. Not just alcohol, but food and coffee, which anyone in leisure industry will know is where the profit is. People just don’t want to risk it, and so small delightful little places like this are taking the brunt of it, and losing out on the traditional steady Sunday lunch trade, parties, social events and group gatherings.
Just remember that when you do the TGOC. Tony and Lee do their very best each year to help them along the way, but if you find pubs and hotels closed in the future, you’ll know why.
The warm welcome extended to the campsite too. As the small children of the manager there, had made us all a free rock cake each when we arrived which was sweet. The campsite is now a community business and so all the profits go back into the community. The standard was higher than before and they have great plans to develop it further. I hope it doesn’t loose its charm though, as the location and peace is delightful.
The following day was an easy one, and we all started by visiting the main cafe in town for a slap up breakfast, bumping into the Norwegian challengers for a chat.
However the weather looked to be turning from pleasant, to wet and damp later, so we plodded off up the road meeting a far too friendly Grouse along the way. He came within a few feet and seemed almost tame.
Then we dropped down to Glen Tanner and that lovely wide open expanse of grass for the last remote camp of the trip.
We arrived early afternoon and just got the tent up in time, as the rain came in and continued for 5 solid hours during which time we dozed and ate our way through our food rations.
Day 10 Map
Day 11 Map