Day 10
Sunday 17 May 2009 - a chance to go high - Braemar to the Sheilin of Mark
Breakfast was superb. It was hard to get going. But, I eventually did. The weather forecast said Monday would be not very good. But, today would be. So, change of plan. Instead of a short day down to Loch Callater Lodge - on and upwards to Lochnagar and beyond. I rang my change of plan in to Challenge Control and set off down the road towards Loch Callater.
After leaving the road I met Jim from Doha (Doha - I think) He was looking for some geo-caches. And then explained what these were. Folk hid things (what?) and others had to find them off the back of grid references. We chatted for a while before he was on the scent............... So, bye Jim. What did he find?
Outside the Lodge I met Stan - the man. He was leaving to go down the road. Inside I met Bill and had a cup of coffee. Others were there and some were there for the day, it seemed. I had to forego the legendary hospitality for another time.
The path up to Carn an t-Sagairt Mor was superb. A good easy gradient and some great views. I got to the top of the Munro and met 4 hill walkers - not Challengers. We walked and chatted for a while as we crossed over towards Choire Bhoidheach. They then got way ahead, but I met them again at the top - a slight raise in the very round lump. Here, they went off down while I continued on towards Lochnagar. It was getting later in the day so I had Lochnagar and the great views to myself. Then, it was down to Spittal of Glenmuick. A long way down. Not far from the Glen I was surprised to hear a voice. It was Carl, who had come over from Braemar via Glen Gelder. I had not seen him as he approached. So, we walked together down to the Glen. Here, I set off for Sheilin of Mark, whilst Carl stopped for a break.
I passed two Challengers who had decided to camp by the side of Allt Darrarie. Then continued the long pull up towards the Sheilin. I had read on a blog that it was best to keep to the infant river that came in from the right, near the higher ground. This, I followed as it got less and less. There was a faint path. Then I hit the burn that would become the Water of Mark. But, no bothy!
It was getting later. No need to panic? No, just a few metres down the burn and there it was, the bothy with a few brussel sprouts dotted around. OK, tents......... but, from a distance?
I got to the bothy - openned the door and said hello to Jon, Nigel and Lynn. Then I announced my immediate intentions - I need a poo: see you later. Well, when you've got to go.............
I came back to find that Carl had arrived. I also apologised for my bit of too much information. After pitching my tent I filled up my platypus with brown water from the burn and then popped in to the bothy to prepare my Mountain House meal. It was getting cold. A quick meal and bed. Most of the others around the bothy had turned in at around 20.30, ie when I had arrived.
