Dee-ciders Walking Group
HAVE you been caught in the rain lately? Well let me tell you about our most recent walk. We were bound for Tap o' North near Rhynie.
We set off on a lovely morning, took the road to Alford, crossed the bridge, passed Tullynessle on to the old Military Road and stopped at the top of the hill. From there we looked down on Knockspock House clothes in a profusion of autumn colours, on to Clatt then Rhynie.
As we came off the mini-bus, it began to rain. On went the waterproofs and off we set. Being the hardy annuals we profess to be, we took the difficult way up. The wind blew harder and harder but we were determined to reach the top of this vitrified rock. At the car park, there is an explanation about this hill but how this vitrification occurred seems to be a mystery. Where did the heat come from? Could it have been volcanic? If you can enlighten us, please send a note for the next Courier.
On the way up we were battered by hail-stones and a forceful wind. We didn't see a lot from the top but we made our goal. Going down was much more pleasant - an easy path and the wind and rain had eased.
After lunch, refreshed and glowing (and a little drier) we went on to Lumsden Croft Shop and an enjoyable hour was spent there. If you haven't been there, it is well worth a visit. Gentlemen - take some money, as there is a tremendous array of mohair socks. By the time we left, the shop was full of people - even some from Canada.
I don't think we will forget the experience that day (especially our friends who had never been to the Tap o' North before). However it was a great day out.
Jean Duff