The long road to Morrone

I had finally secured 2 consecutive days off work by putting in some overtime. As I drove to Macduff via the Braemar road, I began to relax into the drive and looked forward to heading along Glen Derry and getting a couple of Munros done. Until the ill-placed metal component on the road decided to puncture my front tyre. I limped into the Spittal of Glenshee and began the onerous task of replacing the tyre. The space-saver wheel was equipped to perhaps take the car up to speeds of 50mph and what with ailing granny looking forward to a visit from no.1 grandson, at 1200, I made the decision to head to Macduff and forego the hills until tomorrow. So, with new tyre replaced, I was driving back to Braemar and decided to grab a wee Corbett before getting home. At 1600, I parked beside the wee duck pond and a group of mallards came to see what the fuss was all about. Very talkative they were too. It didn't look much of an ascent and with my new wedding gift from my lovely, I was able to calibrate my height and move off. It is far too easy to get distracted by technology however and I had to stop looking at LCD progress and take in the views across to Lochnagar, Glen Derry (see you soon) and beyond. The path was well constructed and after I wandered by 5 cairns (purpose?), I could see the horrible summit apparatus. I was at the summit within the hour and took a seat beside the monstrosity - made for an interesting pic though. I had some fiery chilli nuts, a scoof of juice/ginger/pop (depends where you come from) and pegged it down to the car - a rather splendid wee stretch, summit keech aside.

Corserine and the Rhinns of Kells

I hummed and hawed about whether to make the drive down to Forrest Lodge, given that the forecast wasn't the best. However, Em was busy with her folks so I powered down the A77 and A713 to park up by 1045. Drizzle and low clag. Nae the best. However, by the time I had made the wander through the forest and emerged on to the open hillside, it had cleared quite a bit. The summit trig point of Corserine was situated not far from the sweeping North corrie and as the cloud lifted, I could make out the Merrick and some other cracking hills and lochs scattered to the West. The route over the Rhinns was obvious and I bounded down and up over Millfire, Milldown and Meikle Millyea. A quick descent off the latter led me back to the forest, just as the sun came out. Typical. A long track back to Professor Hans Hoiberg's road had me back at the car in 4.5 hours. The solitude in the forest was at times a little unnerving but enjoyable nonetheless.

Twa faeries and the spirit o Davie the ba' on Ben Rinnes

I wasn't sure whether to do this report but I'd like to write it in memory of Davie Leighton, my great uncle. I attended his funeral on Friday, in Keith and as I have done previously with both my grandpa and gran, I decided to head in to the hills to dedicate my peak to someone dear. As Ben Rinnes was only 12 miles from Keith, I chose this one. His funeral was sad but there were many amusing tales which made me smile - apologies for the doric. "One day, fan Davie was just a loon he wid whistle farever he went. One day, deeing his paper roond, an auld man spoke up and said "Davie, fit's that yer whistling?" Davie replied "The Northern lights of Old Aberdeen." The old man replied "Well, pit them oot!" Davie was a promising fitba player and one day a knock on the door came from none other than Alf Ramsay. However, when put to his father that he might head down for a trial with Man United, his father said "Get yersel a proper job!" What could have been. Davie the ba' was a kind man who never really grew up and he'll be sorely missed. A character like no other - "I feel a thoosand percent". As I parked up, it was a beautiful day and the path was very obvious. Before long, I had made significant progress and the views were opening up to Corriehabbie Hill and beyond. The dome of Ben Rinnes was not far away and I did feel that Davie was with me as I walked towards the summit. A lovely and uncomplicated wee hill and as I sat with my two fairy cakes for my snack, I felt at peace and felt a bit closer to the Man himself. I just hope he realises how good a player he has on his ain team now.