Dee-ciders Walking Group

SO much has happened in the world since Christmas Day that it seems hardly correct to a s k if you had a happy time but yet again we must wish you all 'better times ahead for 2005' and health to enjoy it.

In November, we had a great day out in Glen Gairn - a walk we hadn't done for some time - and it is one of my favourites; our destination Corndavon. The Corndavon Lodge was once a shooting lodge for Royalty and stands on the banks of the River Gairn. It was completely destroyed by fire and only one corner remains intact. The bothy next to the ruins was used to house the staff and was turned into a bothy for hillwalkers - a haven for those who wanted to make a weekend, or a week, of walking in the area. It once won the 'Best Bothy Award' then some idiots vandalised it and now it is shut up; a real loss for the area and hill walking enthusiasts.

We went there by the Glen Gairn Road (A939) as far a Glensheil Lodge, turned left on the Military Road until you can see Braenaloin Farm on the right hand side. This is where we start the walk. The track is wide and

clearly defined, running parallel with the river, which we crossed by the substantial iron bridge. When you reach the lodge, on a good day - as ours was - you can see Browncow Hill, which is near Corgarff. The hill is supposed to look like a brown cow but some say it looks like a whale. When snow lies late in its corries, it is known locally as the 'Broon Coo's White Calf' - wonderful, isn't it?

That was a great day, up and back. Changing light changes the views but Lochnagar was still majestic in all the changes.

In December, we had our Christmas walk - not far, small snack to leave room for our Xmas dinner and party at our favourite hostelry, the Irvine Arms at Drumoak. Great food, great fun, noisy and tuneful, and even the staff join in. Greetings to you all from the Dee-ciders (a 'jolly Bunch').

Jean Duff