Aberdeen

Past Walks in 2016

Saturday 13 February 2016 - TORPHINS - KINCARDINE 'O NEIL - TORPHINS circuitous walk taking a route from Torphins village Learney Hall over the hill on unclassified roads past Waulkmill , Tillyneckle and Leyton Farms to Kincardine 'O Neil. This provided good views in clear weather of the snow clad hills of Deeside to the south and west. Refreshment was taken at Kincardine O Neil along with browsing in a Gem Shop . The return leg of the walk also followed the unclassified Pitmurchie Road past Broombrae and North Footie to the start point, all in clear weather, with the finale being kaffee und kuchen at Platform 22 restaurant. Group of 7 . Approx. 6miles.

Saturday 12 March,2016 - featured a 4.75 miles long walk over 2.5 hours from Strichen's High Street at West Street up Hospital Brae to pass Bransbog and Bransfarm steadings to access the open hillside of Mormond Hill to reach the White Horse monument. ----- Thereafter gaining the summit and the remains of Hunters' Lodge and be treated to a recital of Doric poetry. The remainder of the walk followed a clockwise route past Dencallie farm and over part of the Formartine Way back into Strichen. Refreshments were had at the Restaurant, Strichen Country Park.

Saturday, 9 April, 2016 presented a rainy start to the day which cleared up as we started the approximate 4 miles circuitous walk around DUNECHT HOUSE POLICIES, albeit the mansion is now in private ownership. The route extended from North Lodge to Dairy Farm - Engineers Cottage - Policy Loch - Denwell Cottage - South Lodge - Hindhill - Dairy Farm and back to start point at North Lodge. All in all the outing was relatively short, picturesque , pastoral and peaceful. Refreshments were taken at Jaff's Bar & Restaurant, Dunecht.

Saturday 14 May, 2016, the walk was led by Deputy Leader Monica Gray from Dobbies Garden Centre to the Consumption Dykes at Kingswells, a level walk of about 5 miles in total outward and return which was enjoyed by all.

Saturday 11 June 2016 presented a dreich and cloudy start from Portsoy Harbour over the West Braes coastal footpath to Sandend and returning via Redhythe and Arnbath Farms to the start point , an undulating circuit of about 5.75 miles. ----- The majority of the ten walkers then travelled to enjoy a refreshing meal at The Galley Restaurant, Whitehills, Banff. All in all very enjoyable.

Saturday 10 September 2016 - The circular walk started at Banchory and followed the Deeside Way to Milton of Crathes. From here we proceeded into Crathes Estate and made our way through lovely woods which gave us glimpes of bright autumn berries against a blue sky. We continued along the path to the West Lodge and re-joined the Deeside Way to return to Banchory. On arrival we made straight for the well earned refreshments that we deserved. Approximately 6.5 miles. 7 walkers.

Saturday 8 October 2016 - Our walk was very pleasant from Cove along the Coastal Path. The weather was dull to start with but brightened up later. As the views unfolded we had good views of cliffs and white crested waves hitting the rocks below. We shaw a number of sea birds such as shags and oyster catchers. We saw fishermen perched high above the rocks, I do hope their catch was good. Doonies Farm soon appeared and we saw rare long-horned cattle and sheep. Three beautiful Clydesdale horses joined us at our lunch stop preferring our food rather than the grass on their side of the fence. Reaching Nigg Bay we were greeted with splendid views of lacy edged waves coming in on the tide. Excellent views of the lighthouse, ships and harbour were seen. Unfortunately the Dolphins did not perform for us but they are frequently seen.
Finally we reached the end of our walk at Duthie Park where refreshments were eagerly taken. It had been a lovely walk. Approx. 7 miles.

Saturday 12th November 2016 turned out to be a lovely sunny day after a week of rain. Our circular walk of approximately 6.5 miles was extremely enjoyable. The sun shone, the sky was blue and eight U3A Walking Group members saw Glentanar Estate on one of it's very best days. Our walk was enhanced by the beautiful remnants of the old Caledonian Forest. We were never far away from the Water of Tanar which afforded us lovely views and sounds of the water rushing by.
After the walk we drove to Aboyne where we took well earned refreshment

The December 2016 circular walk took place on s Spring like day which was mild and sunny.
Ten members walked and enjoyed the River Don views which included the Diamond Bridge close up, followed by the Brig O Balgownie which provided a good photographic opportunity. Continuing on into Seaton Park we ate our lunch and had good views of the formal gardens and St Machar Cathedral.

We joined the path on the other side of the Don and walked in an easterly direction past the new "urban village". The colourful new architecture was pleaseing to the eye. We followed the path beside the river which gave us fine views of the woods and rushing water.

Finally we ended our walk at the nearby supermarket where we had well earned refreshments.