Glenisla is one of the bonniest
THE end of October and the start of November has signalled a colder snap.
The thing is that we have enjoyed temperatures for weeks, nay months, that have consistently exceeded seasonal averages, so we take badly when the weather reverts to the autumnal norm.
A fortnight since the Monday outfit did a ramble from Milton of Crathes to Drumoak on Deeside. It was chilly when we set off. I could have done with that extra sweater but as the day wore on things warmed up and we finished up walking in shirtsleeves.
The seven mile round trip follows the track of the old Aberdeen-Ballater railway. The Royal Deeside Railway Company aims to relay the stretch from Crathes to Banchory. Only about a quarter-of-a-mile of track is currently in place and it is a monumental engineering undertaking, but progress has been made since last we were up there, and more rolling stock has made an appearance.
The River Dee was swollen with recent rains and was following well up its banks. We passed a herd of llama in a field. This native South American animal of the high lands seems to do well over here. I've seen them before in the North East.
We lunched at the picnic tables in the park at Drumoak. The village is the largest concentration of houses between Culter and Banchory. In ancient times the parish centre used to be nearer Drum Castle a few miles distant. The Castle is now the property of the National Trust and, although it is less popular than nearby Crathes Castle, it's well worth a visit if you're into that sort of thing.
The Deeside Way continues to Peterculter and the outer edges of Aberdeen but there was no time for that today (OS Landranger sheet 44).
The following day a few of us were walking near Auchronie in Glenesk. The day was overcast but we missed the beefy shower that occurred lower down.
We heard stags bellowing in the distance and on Cairn Robbie I witnessed a stimulating aerial display when a jet flew very low overhead. It shot through the hills straight towards the high cliff wall which is Craig Maskeldie and, it seemed, to certain perdition only for it to bank sharply upwards to the right and apparent safety at the eleventh hour. Quite a show.
It was back too Glenisla the following Monday. It's quite a while since we've been up there. Starting from Folda we did a seven mile circular that took us alongside woodland and up the hillside of The Knaps. With the clocks going back dusk comes earlier - a factor you have to take into account when planning a hill walk.
At one point we walked along the banks of the loch at Auchintaple on a track new to me. Auchintaple is a man-made loch and a haunt for fishermen. To the south-west Mount Blair loomed large, but the summit was covered in mist.
Of all the Angus glens Glenisla is one of the bonniest. It has a character all its own - gentler somehow with sheep grazing the hillsides in large numbers. I say "seems gentler" but like all the high places hereabouts winter can attack with a ferocity to be wondered at. I recall reading about how aeroplanes from Donibristle dropped supplies to the scattered inhabitants of Glenisla during that never-to-be-forgotten winter of 1947 in what came to be known as "Operation Snowdrop".
Part of our route lay along the Cateran Trail. Caterans were reivers who came from the north intent upon plunder and pillage. The Angus Glens were a favourite target for their nefarious activities (OS Landranger sheet 43).
The silver birch was a tree sacred to pagan Celts. Holding powers of renewal and purification, the twigs were used to drive out the spirits of the dying year. The sight of the bonny birken tree at this season has a rare beauty. It is something to do with its pale bark and the movement of the tiny, bronzed and delicate leaves in the slightest of breezes that casts its unique spell. One of the definitive sights of autumn.
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Weather for Brechin
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
