June 12th

From http://bvhill-walkers.blogspot.com/

Less than 2 weeks now until the next planned walk. Ken and Gordon are away, but Ian and Dave are around, and I suspect Colin is too. As we will be without Banchory Veterans' very own Sherpa Tensing and only proper map and compass reader, I'm going to make a slightly controversial suggestion that we do a flat walk this time - along the Deeside Way from Aboyne to Ballater - http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/outdooraccess/long_routes/AboynetoBallater.pdf

It's about 10 miles and should take us about 3 hours, so I reckon if we take the 8:41 am 201 bus, that will get us to Aboyne at 9:02 am and we should manage to be in Ballater in time for opening hours at the Alexandra Hotel, a quick pint (or two) and then jump on the 1:34 pm bus which will get us back to Banchory at 2:13 pm.

Does this sound like a plan? All those in favour, say "Aye".

Craig Vallich

From http://bvhill-walkers.blogspot.com/

Whoops - sorry - it wasn't Lochnagar after all - it was Plan B. Ken submitted this report:

"Bodies and dogs at the top of Craig Vallich. Plan B put into operation at the Glen Muick car park - Dave not sure he had enough time for Lochnagar and only a banana for sustenance, Ian forgot his waterproof trousers and to cap it all Gordon had left his rucksack at home (carefully packed the night before). Weather forecast was poor - gale force winds with minus 12 wind chill on top, and tops were in cloud when we arrived. 10 second debate before adopting Plan B, a gentle 3 hour stroll to Craig Vallich at the head of Glen Muick. As it turned out, weather on Lochnagar didn't look too bad, but we'll save it for another day. Swift pint at the Boat to finish a pleasant Sunday morning. I'll send out a weather forecast and kit list before our next attempt at Lochnagar....maybe it will be 3rd time lucky!!"

and here's the photo:

Lochnagar

From http://bvhill-walkers.blogspot.com/

Gordon, Ian, Dave and Ken made it to the top - Ian sent the photo evidence from the top about 1:30 pm:

Lochnagar & Scolty

From http://bvhill-walkers.blogspot.com/

It was a dry morning when we met in the golf club car park, but winds were forecast to pick up and there was a possibility of showers later on.

Jack withdrew as did Rob Pollard, who had earlier indicated that he might like to join us - he's a veteran of Lochnagar, having been up there on no less than 22 occasions! I also didn't go along - I got up early this morning and put on full hill-walking gear, but I didn't feel too great and my knees have been troubling me again, and I didn't want to hold the others up, so I felt it was best if I just pulled out, so I waved goodbye to Gordon, Ken and Ian at the golf club:

They were meeting up with Dave at the car park at Glen Muick and were hoping to manage all the way to the top, weather conditions permitting. Look forward to the photos, boys!

Slightly deflated and disappointed, I decided to head off for a solo, shorter, consolation walk from the golf club up Scolty and back. It was very pleasant - I was the only one at the top early in the morning:

Total distance walked - 8.37 km; elapsed time 2:06:09; elevation climbed 265 metres. Bacon butty and cup of tea afterwards in the golf club with the Sunday Times Sports Section - excellent!

Next walk still planned for Sunday 12th June - hope to make this one OK. Dave's back that weekend - who else might be available then?

Sunday

From http://bvhill-walkers.blogspot.com/

Ian is driving the Banchorians - meet in the golf club car park at 8 am. Dan, John and Colin are not around, and Dave and Gordon are going directly, so there's room for Ian, Ken, Jack and myself in Ian's car.

Forecast is not too bad for Sunday - should be dry at least.

Lochnagar & Plan B

From http://bvhill-walkers.blogspot.com/

Ken has come up with the alternative should weather/visibility not be too good on Sunday - quote - "there is a small hill at the entrance to Glen Muick which we can do if the weather is not so good - Craig Vallic".


We also have lots of volunteer drivers - Gordon will meet us there as he has the dogs with him, and Ian and Ken have both volunteered to drive as well. Dave has to be back fairly promptly as he has a plane to catch, so it might be best if he takes his own car, just to be safe. Ian, Ken and I can then travel together from Banchory.


John won't be with us, but the invitation is still open to Jack and Dan - want to join us?


Suggested pit stop at the Alexandra Hotel, Ballater (http://www.alexandrahotelballater.com/) afterwards. It's located just over the bridge at the entrance to Ballater from Glen Muick - and it has real ales!

Lochnagar etc

From http://bvhill-walkers.blogspot.com/

Dave has a flight to catch later in the day, so I suggest we leave Banchory no later than 8 am on Sunday morning. If the weather's fair, then Lochnagar it is - if not, then Plan B is ........? Ken?

Volunteer drivers for Sunday?

Update on next walks

From http://bvhill-walkers.blogspot.com/

I think we should, after all, revert to Plan A for 22nd May. It appears that Ian, Ken, Dave, Gordon and I are all available that day and, as there is a desire to try and do Lochnagar this year, and, just in case we have to abort the mission again, it's perhaps a better idea to schedule it for May, and then, if we don't manage this month, we can have another go next month.

CK may miss out on Lochnagar in May, but on 12th June, only 4 of us are available - Colin, Ian, Dave and I. We'll consider where to go then a bit later on.

Nonetheless, we still need a Plan B for 22nd May, in case of poor visibility on Lochnagar - Ken - can you come up with a suitable plan? Perhaps just a morning walk, instead of an all-day one?

May/June walks

From http://bvhill-walkers.blogspot.com/

CK can't make 22nd May and nor can John McW. Colin has indicated that he would be interested in doing Lochnagar, however, so I suggest we leave this walk until June and find somewhere else to go on 22nd May.

Ian, Dave and I are confirmed for 22nd May, but haven't heard from Gordon, Ken, Dan or Jack - would they like to join us?

For June, I suggest Sunday 12th June as that would coincide with one of Dave's weekends back. Is everyone else available then? If not, then what other Sundays would suit?

May walk

From http://bvhill-walkers.blogspot.com/

It looks like Sunday 22nd May is the preferred date for the next walk. Both Dave and Ian are OK for that date, and I am too now. Still to hear from the others, however?

Ian has suggested we try Lochnagar again, which is a full day away. We also need to have a Plan B in place in case the mists descend again, as they did last year when Ian, Ken and I tried it. Who else is up for it?