Day 13
Wednesday 18th May - Water of Saughs to Edzell
Penultimate day - and a final hill-path cut off a long loop of tarmac before our ways parted, when I headed for Edzell, they for Brechin. Hereafter was all tarmac, but very quiet, pretty roads; 'way up that glen there is a tiny, picturesque but obviously active primary school, at Lethnot, surrounded by gorse and broom, bluebells and campion and butterflies...lucky kids.
Towards the end I was tempted to leave my pack by the road, walk up and pay the senior citizen bargain rate to look around Edzell castle; but remembering this was no longer remote Highlands or Islands, I decided against (or that's my excuse - my feet were sore!) Anyway, from a viewpoint farther back I had taken an atmospheric picture - which didn't appear on my camera at all. Doh again. Never take along a new camera unless you have time for homework beforehand.
Edzell was buzzing with Challengers (I couldn't be so unkind as to say it was crawling with them...that would be too close to personal home). I failed in my resolve to go straight to my B&B, being lured by the siren call of the tearoom with about 20 large packs parked outside, and the delightful Tim and Kate from Southport at the first table inside. Both are in their 70th year and on their seventh Challenge. I am so glad I did not miss them, and I hope we shall meet again. Dragging myself off eventually for a clean-up, I was slightly more presentable for joining Shirley (as arranged) and the Boys from Balerno (pleasant surprise) in the Panmure Arms for a meal and (probably unwise) wine.
With them was Barbara, whom it was a great pleasure to get to know. She is another experienced stalwart of the Challenge, whose knowledge of the local countryside enabled the seven of us to avoid much tarmac on the final day, even between Edzell and Montrose - thank you, Barbara.
