Our sign out point at Glenelg
One last adjustment before we start.
Make sure we are on the correct path!
And off we go.
The last broch in the glen is a sorry sight...
...but our first camp site is delightful.
The following morning we have our first river crossing of many...
...as we make our way up to the bealach.
After the bealach we had a splendid view of Loch Hourn.
The track down seems never ending.
These garrons seem to be taking shelter behind the gorse.
The road by Loch Quoich goes on for a long way until the bridge appears.
But it finally does and leads to...
...the track to Alltbeith Farm...
...where we found a pleasant, sheltered pitch.
This easy track leads to Glen Loyne.
And as we climbed to reach the old road Jean Turner caught us up.
From this high point we had a splendid view of Loch Loyne...
...and then began the descent to the old road.
Looking across we could see the bridge and causeway...
...which Avril managed to cross carefully!
After the hard road it was nice to have some soft grass to walk along.
At the Tomdoun one Challenger was looking for alternate transport!
A few k down the road we found a nice spot for the night.
And in the morning...
...stillness enveloped the loch.
A Challenge slide show needs Highland Cattle.
A careful crossing of a weak bridge at Invergarry.
After lunch there were some nice views from the GGW.
The Great Glen Hostel proved very hospitable.
The climb up to Coire an t-Sidhein gave some splendid views.
And at the top was a perfect place to take tea...
...before dropping down to a bridge not shown on our map.
The descent is much steeper than it looks here.
After trying to walk along one of the parallel roads...
...we dropped down to a better, man made, road.
Passing by some waterfalls we approached...
...Luib-chonnal Bothy, but it was too early to stop so we pressed on.
Whilst camped three rather disreputable figures approached, but fortunately passed by!
Our camp was in sight of the Shesgnan shooting hut.
In the morning Melgarve Bothy was reached quickly...
...and we stopped for tea at Garva Bridge.
We plodded along the long road to Glen Truim camp site...
...passing Cat Lodge on the way...
...finally arriving to find quite a few Challengers on site, not sure about the one with the bike!
After crossing the A9 we approached Phones...
...where they have some unusual gate guardians.
The OMR gives pleasant walking and after...
...crossing a Wade Bridge...
...we stopped for tea...
...before arriving at Ruthven Barracks at 11am.
After stopping in Kingussie for supplies the evening saw us near Coranstillmore with a view of next day's route.
The pull up to the plateau always seems endless...
...but finally we reached the snow.
Lunch was taken buy the infant River Eidart.
In the afternoon we passed frozen lochans...
...and spectacular waterfalls...
...before descending in to Glen Geusachan.
After fording a very cold River Dee we camped as soon as we could.
In the morning finding the track to Glen Luibeg was easy...
...and soon we were dropping down to the Luibeg Bridge.
Derry Lodge came and went.
The Clais Fhearnaig proved a delightful stravaig...
but was soon over and we approached...
...the Linn of Quoich.
On the way to Invercauld Bridge we passed the Fife Arms!
Are the Highland Clearances still with us?
After a long walk from Balmoral the bridge at Ballater is a welcome sight.
On Ballater camp site a Challenger "persuades" his tent peg to stay put.
Along the Dee there is plenty of architectral interest...
...and well renovated old railway property.
A riverside pitch left us well placed...
...for dinner at the Boat Inn.
Green fields and straight lines mean we are nearing the final few days of our walk.
A forest track leads to our lunch spot...
...at Potarch...
...right opposite the hotel.
After lunch we crossed the bridge and into...
...a bit more forest which gave glimpses of the Dee.
Our one night of Luxury in Banchory.
Back on the Deeside Way we walk alongside the old railway.
On the way spotting some of British Rail's finest engineering. TGV eat your heart out.
Our last lunch spot.
Nature's fisherman waits for his lunch.
After crossing the main road...
...we got some strange looks from the locals.
Duthie Park gave us a nice way to approach Aberdeen.
Another closed bridge.
Across the golf course we finally see the sea.
And now the beach comes into sight.
Not much to look at but a welcome sight to those with sore feet...
...which we gratefully dip after 200 miles.
If we look pleased with ourselves we are!
