Dies felices 'happy days': Serendipity

Braemar 14-20 August

Excitement mounted as we entered the Cairngorms National Park on our way to Braemar.

It seemed we'd left civilisation behind as the road began to carve its way through the rugged magnificence of the mountains and untamed wilderness of the rolling heather moorland, pinewoods and babbling rivers. I knew with a tingle of anticipation I was now truly in Scotland!

How I love the mountains and their ever changing moods - black and menacing under a thundery sky to a patchwork of colour when bathed in sunshine - purple moorland, the varied hues of grasses and rushes.

Way to go!!

We had the best site yet surrounded by the mountains, the village of Braemar a short walk away plus our extra neighbours who'd waddle over their treats. There were about 40 ducks around the site all apparently left behind when parents flew back to the village pond leaving these youngsters behind until they were strong enough to follow. I think they knew when they were well off with everyone feeding them and plenty of rain puddles creating little ponds for them!

"Anything for breakfast?"

Braemar site nestled lower left corner of photo

So much to see and do:

Our first night, a delicious meal in an old Victorian shooting lodge which still retains much of its original character (didn't know roast pork in apricot and cider sauce could taste so delicious!) ......
followed by a superb concert in the village hall performed by 5 music students travelling Scotland during their summer break - five musicians who had me spellbound as they exposed the raw emotional beauty of traditional Scottish music. 2 lasses sang like angels and between the 5 of them they produced the most amazing music on harp, fiddle, Irish drum, border pipes, tin whistle and key board. I left knowing whatever else lay before us during this tour of Scotland this would be a highlight.

Balmoral - closed as the Queen was in residence and it was during those few days Prince Philip was in hospital and it tickled us to see reporters and camera men hanging about the entrance to Balmoral hoping to snatch a picture through a car window of a member of the Royal family. But we found Fred, apparently found as a kitten and who's travelled the world with his 'rescuers'.

The Lochnagar Whisky Distillery, adjacent to the Balmoral estate, where we enjoyed a tour and tasting. The tour was all the more fascinating with all the original equipment still in use - it's used as a teaching ground for distillers worldwide. Needless to say there's a bottle of Lochnagar tucked away in Libby for friends/family to enjoy a wee dram on our return.

· Crathie Church where the Queen and Royal family regularly worship when in residence at Balmoral - I resisted the temptation to pop back on the Sunday to catch a glimpse of the Queen! A beautiful little church with an evidence of warmth in its appearance as you walk inside due to the due to the nature of the red wood of the pitch pine of the ribbed arched ceiling and lower wall panels.

· Ruins of the old kirk (church) pre 1560. Old records show in early times worshippers sat on stools known as 'creepies' which were often used as weapons and missiles in pre-service brawls - not that I'd advocate we introduce such behaviour! As this old church was left to crumble the interior became a burial place.

· Ballater where I found some bargain T shirts, enjoyed Cullen Skink (traditional Scottish soup made with smoked haddock) and saw a traditional Scottish wedding with many of the menfolk dressed in their full regalia of tartan and bagpipes - quite a spectacle.

Stained glass window made with money bequeathed by the local 'loon' - the term refers to someone who is born and lives their lives in the same town! - Not quite as derogatory as it sounds!

· Biking - we are now the owners of 2 brand new bikes - so now I have to get my cycling legs back into action never having learnt to ride a bike until my 40th birthday and subsequently only ever ridden around the quiet paths of Center Parcs!

Craeg Choinnich in the background

you can just see Michael emerging from the top

· Walking
We'd been given some ideas for local walks by the guy at the local mountaineering shop - his idea of a walk I discovered is not mine!! Near the summit of Creag Choinnich I finally chickened out when finding myself slithering on a very uneven unstable 'path' beside a sheer drop.

I sat with apprehension mounting watching the surrounding summits gradually disappearing under the cover of low cloud while Michael went on up to the summit wondering if we too would find ourselves wrapped in low cloud. Along with anxiety indignation set in: "How dare he leave me abandoned on this mountainside!" Then I heard a faint "coo-eeee"as he finally re-appeared elated at having reached the summit! Just as well - I'd got fed up sitting in the damp and cold and decided to head on down alone! We've had many a chuckle about that little episode since!

However, as we'd been making our way up through the forest at the start of our climb to my absolute delight I spotted a red deer - he saw us too but didn't run. It felt such a privilege for those moments as we both stood watching each other.

You could say we never learn our lesson! Deciding on a leisurely Sunday afternoon stroll couple of days later........ well, it started as a stroll:

When the path, such as it was made up of stones and rocks on a steep climb, actually came to a halt with no way of going any further we retreated until we came to an alternative pathway around the mountain and found ourselves climbing yet again - to the summit this time!! All this exercise is at least working off all those delicious pastries and cakes we can't resist with so many tempting little coffee shops we simply keep coming across!

· Dunnottar Castle
An impressive ruined fortress in a spectacular setting - the walk around the cliff top providing stunning views across the bay to the castle