After what has been a great trip thru Northumberland to Forfar then onto Braemar, mostly sunny with occasional ‘gales’ it was for our last day rather wet. Even so it didn’t deter us from tackling a circular walk from the Linn of Dee up Glen Lui to Derry Lodge, across Luibeg and back via the Larrig Ghru. Rain was continual but the occasional break in the grey clouds allowed an odd splash of sunshine to brighten the way.
Looking up Glen Lui towards a cloud covered Ben Macdui.
But for the main part it was dark sky lines and silhouettes along the lower ridges.
Glen Luibeg was even wetter and Luibeg Bothy rather lost and unwelcoming with heather turning brown where it had very recently blossomed to brighten the now boggy river flood plain.
Luibeg Bothy
Pines that should have been thinned some years ago covered in lichen
The big surprise was just before we arrived back at the car glad of the opportunity to rid ourselves of the wet gear (and for Buster and Carla to be towelled dry) the sun did another of its surprise visits which we thought completed the day…………
……………………… But once we started our return to base the blue sky that had been so well hidden for the rest of the day made its appearance providing yet another couple of surprise views for us and a great end to what had been a wet but exhilarating day in the hills.
The Dee at Braemar looking towards Quoich Water
Up the Dee Valley towards Mar Lodge…the last of the days sunshine.
A great day to complete our trip. Tomorrow the long trip home but great memories to take home with us.
Written 18th September. To be posted when signal available.
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 