Our Monday walking group are hosting a Grampian 50+ Network walking rendezvous at Balmoral this July, and I have been allocated a walk to lead. Yesterday I took the opportunity of recce-ing the walk.
It was an interesting day yesterday, sunshine, northerly wind and heavy showers, but it was a lovely walk from Balmoral Castle to the Gelder Shiel - a bothy at the foot of Lochnagar - which will be our coffee or lunch stop depending on the timing of the walk.
The bothy, run by MBA, was given an overhaul by a local Ballater charity - The Charitable Chiels - in honour and in memory of a former president, Ernie Rattray. The bothy is known locally as "Ernie's Bothy". Ernie was also a great pal of my dad's as he was a member of the Braemar Mountain Rescue Team. Dad often tells the story of how Ernie and Paddy from Ballater applied to join the team, in the 60s. Dad hesitated to let them in as he worried that living in Ballater (a half hour's drive away from Braemar, the MRT base) would delay the team setting out on rescues. However, they gave it a try and dad still says today that was one of the best decisions they ever made. Ernie and Paddy were reliable, strong and always ready to go the extra mile, literally. Sadly, both have passed away now.
This photo was taken at the bothy window, where there is a plaque just above the window quoting Ernie's oft-said words ... Am Awa' Tae The Hill! Lovely.
@casablanca It is indeed that. It's set in a copse of trees by the river Gelder, and there's nothing but moorland and mountain all around! I never saw a soul on my walk once I'd left Balmoral grounds - where it was hotching with tourists!
Such a stunning capture with so many details. I love your narratives as one can actually feel what has been going on there all those years ago. It sounds like movie material to me ;-)
This is so beautiful Issi…..what a wonderful bothy. Loved your story too, made me think of our grandson & how he bought a house one minute walk from the fire station. He has to be there to get on the fire engine. Now he is Station Officer so is always on the job if he’s away from his proper job…it’s volunteer so too. Your dad must have so many memories. Good luck with the walk!
Such history you have in Scotland & a brilliant narrative & photo through the window..
A friend just married a Scotsman, 1 gorgeous bride, 6 bridesmaids & 7 men in full kilt.
Then the Piper led them out, Oh my Gosh! Stunning & very moving!
A friend just married a Scotsman, 1 gorgeous bride, 6 bridesmaids & 7 men in full kilt.
Then the Piper led them out, Oh my Gosh! Stunning & very moving!