DEE-CIDERS WALKING GROUP
A "HONEYMOONERS' PARADISE" - that's our Deeside. No wonder Charlie and Camilla have spent so much time there over these past years. Deeside is like a magnet - it just draws you back again, as it does with our walking group. Recently we have had two memorable walks, both in snow. Walking in snow is an experience one never forgets, especially when one foot goes deep into snow, your other foot does the same, and you need help to get out of it. A lot of fun and laughter - and loads of screaming. The views, when the mountains are clothed in snow and the sun shining, is just stunning. That was our experiences lately (absolutely out of this world); forget the driech days and remember the joyous ones.
We started off at Inverey, where there may be a proper Car Park soon, past the red letterbox. Did you know that this letterbox is a Victorian one with the initials `VR' - can't be many of those! At the other side of the bridge we followed the path beside the Ey Burn. Up and up goes the path and there is a wonderful sight when you look back into the valley between Cam-na-Moine on one side and Carn Dam Naireach on the other.
At the top, there is no path marked on the map but take the wee track on the right, which is quite steep, but take your time and you are up before you know it. There you are on the summit of Carn Liath and a glorious feeling it is. The wind was howling; it was brilliantly clear; we could see Ben A' Ghlo; down there was the famous Lairg Ghru pass, Glen Tilt and all the Cairngorm Range. (What a pity they don't have a big name plate on each of them rather than having to guess the names.)
We walked along the plateau and could see the snow swirling in the distance but it soon caught up with us as we trudged through deep snow. Down in the woods there was no wind, brilliant sunshine, and we had to shed our jackets as we were too hot! It was a rosy-cheeked and exhilarated group who made their way back to the mini-bus after an unforgettable day.
Jean Duff
Editor: Apologies for any errors in the spelling of the place names in the articles by the walking groups. Those of you who know the areas mentioned will be familiar with the names only too well.