Loch Callater

Friday 12th August was another stunning day in this great summer, but only 4 of us were available for another walk in Upper Deeside. Ken had indicated that he couldn't make the bus so he would have to drive. Steve, Colin and I then arranged to meet him in Ballater and he would take us the rest of the way out beyond Braemar to the walk leading to Loch Callater. On the way out:


Just before we reached the loch, a Range Rover passed us by, with Prince Charles at the wheel - it was the "Glorious Twelfth" after all. At the start of the loch:


Walking round the loch in a circular direction (keeps CK happy), we reached the head where we had to cross a burn that feeds the loch. There wasn't much water so Ken, Colin and I just decided to splash our way through to the other side. Steve, however, decided he didn't want to get his boots wet, so he opted to paddle across barefooted:

Some more snaps from the return journey:




Exploring the bunkhouses next to this bridge, it appeared that somebody had already made themselves at home in the main room:


From there, heading back to the car, we passed a line of shooters, beaters and their dogs and this fairly substantial snakeskin on the track:

At the car park, our future King's bodyguard, totally overdressed considering the heat, in shirt, tie and gilet, was waiting for him in a second Range Rover and soon they were gone on their way back to Balmoral. Our target was the much nearer Invercauld Mews for some lovely beer from the local Braemar Brewery:

A great way to end a wonderful afternoon in stunning scenery - and many thanks to Ken for driving us all home. Here's the stats and the route: