Insert new updates at the top
29/12/07 Sarah 29
30/12/07 Peter, 1
30/12/07 Dave and Kathy 58, 57
29/12/07 Dave, Kathy and Ben 64
27/12/07 Peter 14
24/12/07 Sarah 17, 34
22/12/07 Dave, Kathy 72
24/12/07 Peter 54
23/12/07 Peter 34
23/12/07 Sarah 89, 91
19/12/07 Sarah 90
16/12/07 Dave + Kathy 43
16/12/07 Peter 82, 80
15/12/07 Dave, Kathy and Gary 1
13/12/07 Gary & Peter 74,75
09/12/07 Peter 97,98
08/12/07 Peter 64,81
7/12/07 Dave, Gary, Gail, Warren, Sam and Peter 51
03/12/07 Peter 87,88
02/12/07 Gary 96, 74
02/12/07 Peter 76
02/12/07 Sarah 65, 66
01/12/07 Gary 71, 28, 29, 66
01/12/07 Sarah 78
01/12/07 Sarah and Ewan 61
30/11/07 Peter 93
30/11/07 Gary 79, 39
29/11/07 Dave, Gary + Gail 64
30/11/07 Sarah 80,81
26/11/07 Peter 83,86,92,99
26/11/07 Sarah 68
24/11/07 Peter 55,57
25/11/07 Sarah 57,58,59
24/11/07 Sarah 93
23/11/07 Sarah 72, 74
25/11/07 Dave H, Dave S, Ben, Roelf 22,23
23/11/07 Dave H 15
17/11/07 Dave and Kathy 86, 85, 94
16/11/07 Dave H 79
15/11/07 Dave, Peter and Warren 58
12/11/07 Peter 43
12/11/07 Dave H 83
10/11/07 Peter 67
08/11/07 Dave + Warren 47
08/11/07 Karen 1,2,3,4,5
03/11/07 Peter 30
01/11/07 Peter, Dave H 77
31/10/07 Dave H+ Jon 73
27/10/07 Sarah and Ewan 52
28/10/07 Peter 17
27/10/07 Peter 90
20/10/07 Evelyn and Derek 33, 32, 31, 19, 18, 51, 52, 53
12/10/07 Sarah 50,51
14/10/07 Peter 78
14/10/07 Evelyn, Derek 73,45,41
13/10/07 Dave, Kathy, Derek and Evelyn 5, 3
12/10/07 Peter 20, 26, 28, 32
11/10/07 Peter 12, 16, 21
09/10/07 Peter 8
08/10/07 Sarah 67
06/10/07 Dave and Kathy 82, 99
06/10/07 Peter 50, 53
5/10/07 Dave and Kathy 67
05/10/07 Sarah 99
01/04/07 Sarah + Jon 2
1/10/07 Peter 2
1/10/07 Dave H 29, 28, 26
30/09/07 Dave and Kathy 56
28/09/07 Dave H 21
27/09/07 Peter 69,70
24/09/07 Dave H 20
22/09/07 Kathy 93
21/09/07 Peter 73
20/09/07 Peter 71
19/09/07 Dave H 4, 2
17/09/07 Dave H 14
16/09/07 Dave and Kathy 4, 16
16/09/07 Sarah 83
16/09/07 Gary 89,91
15/09/07 Peter 35,36
15/09/07 Sarah 95,96,97
15/09/07 Dave and Kathy 76, 77
14/09/07 Sarah 42, 44, 60
14/09/07 Dave + Kathy 69
14/09/07 Dave H 96, 97, 99, 93
13/09/07 Peter 89,91
13/09/07 Dave and Kathy 68, 71
13/09/07 Dave H 89, 91
10/09/07 Peter 29
10/09/07 Dave H 42
09/09/07 Peter 48,49
08/09/07 Peter 79,100,68
07/09/07 Peter 22,23,24,72
07/09/07 Dave H 12, 59
06/09/07 Peter 94,95,96,61
05/09/07 Peter 51,52,60
04/09/07 Peter 9,10,11
03/09/07 Peter 37,38,39,40
02/09/07 Peter 18,19
01/09/07 Peter 3,4,5
31/08/07 Sarah 62
27/08/07 Peter 42,44
26/08/07 Peter 41
23/08/07 Derek, Evelyn, Gail, Gary, Gavin, Jane, Peter, Sam 59
21/08/07 Dave H 66
21/08/07 Peter 66
20/08/07 Peter 85
12/08/08 Dave and Kathy 38, 37, 35
10/08/07 Peter 25,27
09/08/07 Evelyn & Derek 21, 22, 23
08/08/07 Dave H 49, 48
06/08/07 Peter 31,33
07/08/07 Dave H 92
07/08/07 Evelyn & Derek 84, 66, 61, 47, 68
06/08/07 Evelyn & Derek 96, 97, 93, 100, 99
05/08/07 Evelyn & Derek 83
04/08/07 Dave H 13, 8
04/08/07 Evelyn & Derek 1 - YES !!!
03/08/07 Peter 84
31/07/07 Gary 95
30/07/07 Dave H and Gary 11, 10
27/07/07 Sarah 39, 43
29/07/07 Dave H 84
28/07/07 Dave H 57, 56, 55
27/07/07 Dave H 41
25/07/07 Dave H 39
24/07/07 Dave H 88
23/07/07 Dave H 45
22/07/07 Peter 6,7
22/07/07 Sarah 31, 32, 33
21/07/07 Dave H, Dave S, Jon, Helen 24, 25 ,27
19/07/07 Kathy, Evelyn, Francie, Owen, Dave H, Dan, Derek 36
20/07/07 Sarah 63,64
10/07/07 Dave H, Gavin, Alan, Peter and Nick 62
09/07/07 Dave H 90
08/07/07 Dave and Kathy 51, 52, 30
05/07/07 Dave H 54
03/07/07 Dave H, Warren, Peter, Hazel, Sam, Dave S, Gary 63
02/07/07 Dave H 86, 87
01/07/07 Dave H and Iain Firth 82
30/06/07 Dave and Kathy 7, 6, 9
29/06/07 Gary 60, 94
29/06/07 Dave H 40
27/06/07 Dave H 74, 75
26/06/07 Dave H 64
19/06/07 Dave H, Kathy, Dave O, Gary, Peter and Warren 65
17/06/07 Sarah & Gary 76, 77
17/06/07 Dave and Kathy 33, 32, 31, 19, 18, 17 (OUR big day out)
17/06/07 Peter 45
16/06/07 Peter 46, 47
13/06/07 Gary 7, 6, 4, 2 (my big day out)
09/06/07 Kathy 80, 81
06/06/07 Dave H 80, 81
03/06/07 Sarah 53, 18, 19
28/05/07 Gary 62
26/05/07 Derek & Evelyn 4, 2
21/5/07 Dan G 85
20/05/07 Dave H 16, 34, 43, 44
20/05/07 Kathy 50, 60
20/5/07 Dan G 53
18/05/07 Dave H 70
17/05/07 Gary 59
17/05/07 Dave H 98 85
06/05/07 Derek & Evelyn 46
06/05/07 Peter 56
04/05/07 Kathy 70
04/05/07 Dave H 60, 61
04/05/07 Sarah + Jon 45, 46, 47
01/05/07 Dave H 58
01/05/07 Derek & Evelyn 76, 72
30/04/07 Gary 61, 85
30/04/07 Dave H 50, 53
29/04/07 Sarah 71, 79, 100
29/04/07 Dave and Kathy 22, 23
27/04/07 Dave + Kathy 73
27/04/07 Dave H 46, 47
25/04/07 Dave H 67, 94, 95
24/04/07 Sarah 94
24/04/07 Dave H 76, 77, 78, 100
22/04/07 Sarah 85 84 86 92
21/04/07 Peter 13/14/15
19/04/07 Peter 77
17/04/07 Derek & Evelyn 80
16/04/07 Derek & Evelyn 81
16/04/07 Phil 44+
Friday 20 April 2007
[1] NN 93822 98845 Wells of Dee
30/12/07 Peter
100th point! ran up here from glen more via the chalamain gap and braeriach on a clear sunday morning. brilliant run although i kept getting strange and disapproving looks from over dressed walkers- not a breath of wind at the top so it was warm in the sunshine. ran down the same way but went above the gap this time due to icy conditions. just under 5 hours for the trip although much time was spent taking photos, gawping at the views and getting past the road block!!!
15/12/07 Dave, Kathy and Gary
Finally made it up here for my 100th point. A great place to finish the Challenge. We followed Derek and Evelyn's route, biking up Glen Einich then setting off up the path towards Coire Dhondail. Decided after a short while that paths are for wimps, so went straight up by the second stream we crossed to the top of Einich Cairn. Only half the distance of the path route, but consequently twice as steep. Kathy hadn't had enough breakfast and ran out of energy half way up, making it even more of a challenge. There was cloud spilling over the cliffs at the south end of the loch, but the sky was clear to the east. Fortunately it stayed that way, and we eventually got to the top to see a great expanse of white snow stretching out to Braeriach and over the Lairig Ghru to Ben Macdui. The Wells themselves were frozen over, but we found an icy patch and decided that was good enough.
Had a very, very small sip of whisky to celebrate. Gary jumped over the river Dee, not something many of us have achieved. Went back the same way, then had a fun bike ride back. Took about 5 hours 30 altogether. A good expedition.
2/10/2007 Karen
Made it before the clocks changed. It's a long way from the Linn of Dee there and back and had to run most of it to get back before school finished. Chose one of the best days of the year- not a cloud in the sky. Went alone and nothing to put the camera on so dreadful self portrait!
Click for map
03/08/07 Evelyn and Derek
Sorely wounded by our failure to add Wells of Dee to our outing to the Devil's Point in May, we decided to give it another go - this time from Coylumbridge (hope that doesn't put us out of bounds).
We cycled in through Glen Einach towards the Loch. Although we managed to pick a reasonably dry day it was very windy with a strong headwind on the way in - so strong there were waves on the puddles in the track and several times we were almost brought to a halt as we turned a corner and took the full brunt.
At NH920 000 you reach a path leading up to Coire Dhondail. The path is nicely marked with a pile of stones which also formed a nice shelter - which we managed to reach just before two German walkers. They were interested in our Challenge and amazed at the climb we were about to undertake (rising from 500 to about 1200). They reckoned on 300 mtrs climb per hour - later we were able to confirm to ourselves that Deeside Runners can do better than 500 mtrs.
After a short lunch we tackled the climb - much easier than from the Lairig side but still an effort with some narrow sections - our new walking sticks making things a bit easier.
Over the top of the Coire and look for a route to the Wells - there isn't one. Fallback on the GPS and head off upwards (obviously). Eventually we get over onto the flattish area of the Wells and commence the search for the Wells themselves. Expecting at least some ponds we realised we'd have to make do with some water seeping out of the ground.
Its blowing hard up here so no time to dawdle - take in Einach Cairn for good measure and head down again.
Lovely view on the way back down looking back up Glen Einach
Back at the bikes, its shelter and food time again. It took 1:30 minutes to come in and we're expecting a bit of a slog back out. However now the wind is in our favour. Got on the bikes and didn't pedal for about the first mile. Great fun coming out in 40 minutes.
Finally made it up here for my 100th point. A great place to finish the Challenge. We followed Derek and Evelyn's route, biking up Glen Einich then setting off up the path towards Coire Dhondail. Decided after a short while that paths are for wimps, so went straight up by the second stream we crossed to the top of Einich Cairn. Only half the distance of the path route, but consequently twice as steep. Kathy hadn't had enough breakfast and ran out of energy half way up, making it even more of a challenge. There was cloud spilling over the cliffs at the south end of the loch, but the sky was clear to the east. Fortunately it stayed that way, and we eventually got to the top to see a great expanse of white snow stretching out to Braeriach and over the Lairig Ghru to Ben Macdui. The Wells themselves were frozen over, but we found an icy patch and decided that was good enough.
Had a very, very small sip of whisky to celebrate. Gary jumped over the river Dee, not something many of us have achieved. Went back the same way, then had a fun bike ride back. Took about 5 hours 30 altogether. A good expedition.2/10/2007 Karen
Made it before the clocks changed. It's a long way from the Linn of Dee there and back and had to run most of it to get back before school finished. Chose one of the best days of the year- not a cloud in the sky. Went alone and nothing to put the camera on so dreadful self portrait!
Click for map
03/08/07 Evelyn and Derek
Sorely wounded by our failure to add Wells of Dee to our outing to the Devil's Point in May, we decided to give it another go - this time from Coylumbridge (hope that doesn't put us out of bounds).
We cycled in through Glen Einach towards the Loch. Although we managed to pick a reasonably dry day it was very windy with a strong headwind on the way in - so strong there were waves on the puddles in the track and several times we were almost brought to a halt as we turned a corner and took the full brunt.
At NH920 000 you reach a path leading up to Coire Dhondail. The path is nicely marked with a pile of stones which also formed a nice shelter - which we managed to reach just before two German walkers. They were interested in our Challenge and amazed at the climb we were about to undertake (rising from 500 to about 1200). They reckoned on 300 mtrs climb per hour - later we were able to confirm to ourselves that Deeside Runners can do better than 500 mtrs.
After a short lunch we tackled the climb - much easier than from the Lairig side but still an effort with some narrow sections - our new walking sticks making things a bit easier.
Over the top of the Coire and look for a route to the Wells - there isn't one. Fallback on the GPS and head off upwards (obviously). Eventually we get over onto the flattish area of the Wells and commence the search for the Wells themselves. Expecting at least some ponds we realised we'd have to make do with some water seeping out of the ground.
Its blowing hard up here so no time to dawdle - take in Einach Cairn for good measure and head down again.Lovely view on the way back down looking back up Glen Einach
Back at the bikes, its shelter and food time again. It took 1:30 minutes to come in and we're expecting a bit of a slog back out. However now the wind is in our favour. Got on the bikes and didn't pedal for about the first mile. Great fun coming out in 40 minutes.[2] NN 97613 95135 Devil's Point
Click for map
01/04/07 Sarah + Jon
ork) 2497 m
Had been eyeing this one up with the wells of dee for some time, however rainy weekends, races, and shorter days had something to say about it! had a half day at work so decided to have an afternoon run up the devils point. was a stunning day for it and was running well, could easily have taken in the wells of dee and been down to the track before dark but had been a bit conservative on time keeping so that will have to wait until another day. all in all it makes for a good run with tracks and paths all the way (although keeping the feet dry in the peat bog just before corrour is a bit of a challenge). had a look at Dave's way up the hill, reckon it would be quicker (i was 32min from the bothy and 18 down) although the path looks like a far more pleasant option. great views from the top so got a bit carried away with the pics - these are just a few of them!!!
19/09/07 Dave H
Came on here from the Luibeg. Decided that by Gary's definition (if no-one else's) I was Normal, and left the bike at the ford. Ran on to the Corrour bothy. Definitely quicker and easier to run, though if you want a mountain bike challenge, the ride would certainly provide one. Took 30 mins. From the bothy there is a good path that goes up to the plateau, then round to the summit. This looked far too boring so I ran up it until it flattened out slightly (just before it crosses a stream about half way to the plateau), then went straight up to the summit. This is very steep, heathery and rocky, but just when you think the rocks are going to go on forever you pop up at the top. Definitely quicker than the path if your legs don't give out. Took 25 mins from the bothy. The top was clear of cloud, which 
meant I could see just how far down it was to the Dee. Spectacular spot. The way I came up looked lethal as a descent route, so I went back by the path. 20 mins back down, 30 back to the bike then 30 to the car. 3.10 altogether. Good day out but I've got lots of work to do now.
26/05/07 Derek & Evelyn
"The GPS says its only 1km from here". Unfortunately that's a GPS strapped to the back of a flying crow -which I'm not.
So its 'step we gaily' on to Corrour Bothy. We have no idea at this point whether there is a route onto the hill and are blindly going where no Coulls have been before (to mangle a phrase). However as we reach Corrour we can see that some very kind people (Owen perhaps) have built a sturdy path up onto the saddle behind the Devil's Point and from there its an easy, if bouldery, walk up to the summit.
The weather had literally been blowing hot and cold on the way up, sometimes we were stripping off due to exertion next minute adding layers, gloves and hats to counteract the chill wind coming over from the west. Ev was more than happy since it gave her the opportunity to try out her new lime green goretex jacket - can you see it in the photo? The murk in the background is snow - which is actually better than rain and added spectacularly to the views of distant mountains.
As we sat, we were buzzed by a Mountain Rescue helicopter, possibly drawn by Ev's jacket
We did get a photo of a ptarmigan on the way up, but it was so well camouflaged that it was more like 'spot the ball' so I left it out.
Had thoughts about going for Challenge 1 at the Well's of Dee and did make a start. However, not knowing the route was a problem and after some pointless climbing onto the other side of the saddle above Coire an t-Saighdeir, we gave up and headed home.
08/06/07 Gary
Got to the summit of Devil’s Point as part of my Big Day Out. I mountain biked to the top of the descent to Corrour Bothy. I didn’t fancy trying to cycle up this hill after getting to the summit. The first part of the path is easy cycling with lots of swoopy drainage ditches. Once through Luibeg ford the path gets increasingly difficult but is mostly rideable for the determined. Normal people will probably leave their bike at the deer gate.
As Derek says there is a good path up to the top. The running soon ended at Corrour Bothy and it was a struggling for breath fast walk to the top. It was very warm and I was at the summit in shorts and thermal still feeling the heat. There was absolutely no wind – unfortunately there was no view either as the last 50m went into the cloud base.
Having got this challenge point the plan was to skip along the tops to the Wells of Dee. I got as far as Cairn Toul but the going was very slow, boulders everywhere and more climbing than I expected. So I headed back vowing to return perhaps from the North. Here is me at the top. Honest!
2/10/07 Karen
A beautiful day, ascended Devil's Point on the way to the Wells of Dee. Met a couple on the top to take my photo.
01/04/07 Sarah + Jon
Stopped overnight at the hut at the base of the cliffs, then set off the next morning to contour round to ascend via the N ridge. Reached the col in just over 1 hour and then scrambled up seemingly vertical slabs to reach the top after almost another hour. Magic day with clear views to snow-capped peaks to the N. Descended S to the main col before dropping down a badly eroded very steep scree gully (not much fun). Returned through lovely forest from the bottom of the slope, with a round trip of 3 1/2 hours.
Pedraforca (Devil's Pitchf
ork) 2497 m1/10/07 Peter
Had been eyeing this one up with the wells of dee for some time, however rainy weekends, races, and shorter days had something to say about it! had a half day at work so decided to have an afternoon run up the devils point. was a stunning day for it and was running well, could easily have taken in the wells of dee and been down to the track before dark but had been a bit conservative on time keeping so that will have to wait until another day. all in all it makes for a good run with tracks and paths all the way (although keeping the feet dry in the peat bog just before corrour is a bit of a challenge). had a look at Dave's way up the hill, reckon it would be quicker (i was 32min from the bothy and 18 down) although the path looks like a far more pleasant option. great views from the top so got a bit carried away with the pics - these are just a few of them!!!
19/09/07 Dave H
Came on here from the Luibeg. Decided that by Gary's definition (if no-one else's) I was Normal, and left the bike at the ford. Ran on to the Corrour bothy. Definitely quicker and easier to run, though if you want a mountain bike challenge, the ride would certainly provide one. Took 30 mins. From the bothy there is a good path that goes up to the plateau, then round to the summit. This looked far too boring so I ran up it until it flattened out slightly (just before it crosses a stream about half way to the plateau), then went straight up to the summit. This is very steep, heathery and rocky, but just when you think the rocks are going to go on forever you pop up at the top. Definitely quicker than the path if your legs don't give out. Took 25 mins from the bothy. The top was clear of cloud, which meant I could see just how far down it was to the Dee. Spectacular spot. The way I came up looked lethal as a descent route, so I went back by the path. 20 mins back down, 30 back to the bike then 30 to the car. 3.10 altogether. Good day out but I've got lots of work to do now.26/05/07 Derek & Evelyn
"The GPS says its only 1km from here". Unfortunately that's a GPS strapped to the back of a flying crow -which I'm not.So its 'step we gaily' on to Corrour Bothy. We have no idea at this point whether there is a route onto the hill and are blindly going where no Coulls have been before (to mangle a phrase). However as we reach Corrour we can see that some very kind people (Owen perhaps) have built a sturdy path up onto the saddle behind the Devil's Point and from there its an easy, if bouldery, walk up to the summit.
The weather had literally been blowing hot and cold on the way up, sometimes we were stripping off due to exertion next minute adding layers, gloves and hats to counteract the chill wind coming over from the west. Ev was more than happy since it gave her the opportunity to try out her new lime green goretex jacket - can you see it in the photo? The murk in the background is snow - which is actually better than rain and added spectacularly to the views of distant mountains.As we sat, we were buzzed by a Mountain Rescue helicopter, possibly drawn by Ev's jacket
We did get a photo of a ptarmigan on the way up, but it was so well camouflaged that it was more like 'spot the ball' so I left it out.
Had thoughts about going for Challenge 1 at the Well's of Dee and did make a start. However, not knowing the route was a problem and after some pointless climbing onto the other side of the saddle above Coire an t-Saighdeir, we gave up and headed home.
08/06/07 Gary
Got to the summit of Devil’s Point as part of my Big Day Out. I mountain biked to the top of the descent to Corrour Bothy. I didn’t fancy trying to cycle up this hill after getting to the summit. The first part of the path is easy cycling with lots of swoopy drainage ditches. Once through Luibeg ford the path gets increasingly difficult but is mostly rideable for the determined. Normal people will probably leave their bike at the deer gate.As Derek says there is a good path up to the top. The running soon ended at Corrour Bothy and it was a struggling for breath fast walk to the top. It was very warm and I was at the summit in shorts and thermal still feeling the heat. There was absolutely no wind – unfortunately there was no view either as the last 50m went into the cloud base.
Having got this challenge point the plan was to skip along the tops to the Wells of Dee. I got as far as Cairn Toul but the going was very slow, boulders everywhere and more climbing than I expected. So I headed back vowing to return perhaps from the North. Here is me at the top. Honest!
[3] NJ 01133 00335 Loch Etchachan
Click for map
13/10/07 Dave, Kathy, Derek and Evelyn
Came on from the Derry bridge. Rather cool and cloudy but the weather gradually improved. Biked until a bit past the final tree exclosure then started running. Actually it would have been possible to bike all the way to the bridge over the stream at 034992 but we didn't realise this at the time. The biking is pretty straightforward if a bit uneven. The run is a bit of a slog after the Hutchison Hut but only took 30mins or so. Derek managed to run up the hill for long enough for me to take a picture. The loch is a good spot for lunch. Amazingly, one of the runners in the Lairig Ghru race this year came this way by accident.
13/10/07 Dave, Kathy, Derek and EvelynCame on from the Derry bridge. Rather cool and cloudy but the weather gradually improved. Biked until a bit past the final tree exclosure then started running. Actually it would have been possible to bike all the way to the bridge over the stream at 034992 but we didn't realise this at the time. The biking is pretty straightforward if a bit uneven. The run is a bit of a slog after the Hutchison Hut but only took 30mins or so. Derek managed to run up the hill for long enough for me to take a picture. The loch is a good spot for lunch. Amazingly, one of the runners in the Lairig Ghru race this year came this way by accident.
3/9/07 Karen
Jo, Sheila (not Deeside runners members) and I cycled up Glen Derry and then on to loch by foot. Very cold and showery.
Jo, Sheila (not Deeside runners members) and I cycled up Glen Derry and then on to loch by foot. Very cold and showery.
Thursday 19 April 2007
[4] NO 01503 93885 Luibeg Burn
2/10/07 Karen
Crossed the bridge over burn on the way to Devil's point and Wells of Dee and across the stones on the way back. I wouldn't have taken the detour if I'd realised my feet would stay dry!
Click for map
19/07/09 Dave H
Thought I ought to get here as soon as possible after the weekend disaster. The good thing about working from home is I can go out when the weather is good. The bad thing is I now have to do all the work I didn't do earlier today. Still, lured by the prospect of glorious sunshine all day I biked out here from Linn of Dee. The glorious sunshine never appeared. Still, it's a pleasant ride out here. Only took about 45 mins. Went on to Devil's Point.
16/09/07 Kathy (and not quite Dave)
Set off on a horribly wet afternoon from Linn of Dee having postponed our trip for as long as possible. The rain was sure to stop eventually. The car park was as midgy as anywhere I've ever been. Stopped itching by Derry Lodge where a mountain rescue helicopter was hovering. We assumed it was an exercise, but in those conditions it would have been easy to get lost on the tops. We went on up the Derry (on the west side, according to the man at the Braemar outdoor shop the landrover track on the east side is not worth taking because has mostly been removed by the National Trust). The path is quite good for cycling, at least for the first km. After that I don't know because just as the rain stopped my chain snapped. I've never broken a chain before, but fortunately I always carry a link tool ... don't I ... I'm sure it's in here somewhere ... maybe I can fix it with pliers ... oh bother. So I walked/freewheeled back to Midge Central while Kathy went up to the Luibeg. Without the camera because she didn't know the sun was going to come out. Back at the car, I put the heater on to dry out ... and flattened the battery. Or at least managed to confuse the immobiliser so the car wouldn't start when K got back. Not sure exactly what had happened but as we were trying to shut up the alarm in a cloud of midges a friend of ours turned up and jump started us. She had managed to find an even worse way of spending the afternoon having gone on a 2 hour Fungal Foray to Midge Hell. Personally after 10 minutes I'd have been looking for something fatal to escape the midges. We went to the teashop in Braemar to recover.
26/05/07 Derek & Evelyn
Aiming for Challenge 2 we started off from Linn of Dee car park which is a new route for us since we normally come in here directly from Braemar either as a cycle or as part of the Lairig Ghru race. Its easy cycling as far as Derry lodge. Once over the footbridge there's a spongy area to cross (very spongy if wet) followed by another piece of (nearly) cycleable track out to the burn. We saw some other MTBers take their bikes over the burn and onwards but it hardly seems worth it to us, so we left ours in the heather. Took the opportunity to try to find a dry way over the burn since at the Lairig race you never get time and we usually just plunge in. It's possible but "mind that loose rock" says Ev (unfortunately too late for her).
Met up with our bikes again after returning from our expedition to Challenge point 2. It was a relief to get onboard and get some speed up. Passed some tourists on some dodgy bikes - one was a Moulton with tiny wheels - eat my dust, suckers
Click for map
19/07/09 Dave H
Thought I ought to get here as soon as possible after the weekend disaster. The good thing about working from home is I can go out when the weather is good. The bad thing is I now have to do all the work I didn't do earlier today. Still, lured by the prospect of glorious sunshine all day I biked out here from Linn of Dee. The glorious sunshine never appeared. Still, it's a pleasant ride out here. Only took about 45 mins. Went on to Devil's Point.16/09/07 Kathy (and not quite Dave)
Set off on a horribly wet afternoon from Linn of Dee having postponed our trip for as long as possible. The rain was sure to stop eventually. The car park was as midgy as anywhere I've ever been. Stopped itching by Derry Lodge where a mountain rescue helicopter was hovering. We assumed it was an exercise, but in those conditions it would have been easy to get lost on the tops. We went on up the Derry (on the west side, according to the man at the Braemar outdoor shop the landrover track on the east side is not worth taking because has mostly been removed by the National Trust). The path is quite good for cycling, at least for the first km. After that I don't know because just as the rain stopped my chain snapped. I've never broken a chain before, but fortunately I always carry a link tool ... don't I ... I'm sure it's in here somewhere ... maybe I can fix it with pliers ... oh bother. So I walked/freewheeled back to Midge Central while Kathy went up to the Luibeg. Without the camera because she didn't know the sun was going to come out. Back at the car, I put the heater on to dry out ... and flattened the battery. Or at least managed to confuse the immobiliser so the car wouldn't start when K got back. Not sure exactly what had happened but as we were trying to shut up the alarm in a cloud of midges a friend of ours turned up and jump started us. She had managed to find an even worse way of spending the afternoon having gone on a 2 hour Fungal Foray to Midge Hell. Personally after 10 minutes I'd have been looking for something fatal to escape the midges. We went to the teashop in Braemar to recover.
26/05/07 Derek & Evelyn
Aiming for Challenge 2 we started off from Linn of Dee car park which is a new route for us since we normally come in here directly from Braemar either as a cycle or as part of the Lairig Ghru race. Its easy cycling as far as Derry lodge. Once over the footbridge there's a spongy area to cross (very spongy if wet) followed by another piece of (nearly) cycleable track out to the burn. We saw some other MTBers take their bikes over the burn and onwards but it hardly seems worth it to us, so we left ours in the heather. Took the opportunity to try to find a dry way over the burn since at the Lairig race you never get time and we usually just plunge in. It's possible but "mind that loose rock" says Ev (unfortunately too late for her).
Met up with our bikes again after returning from our expedition to Challenge point 2. It was a relief to get onboard and get some speed up. Passed some tourists on some dodgy bikes - one was a Moulton with tiny wheels - eat my dust, suckers
08/06/07 Gary
Did this on my way to Devil's Point. I persevered with my bike through 
Luibeg Burn. This is quite deep and the bike was handy to hang onto. Feet were already wet and had been for several hours.
Luibeg Burn. This is quite deep and the bike was handy to hang onto. Feet were already wet and had been for several hours.[5] NO 03974 95805 Glen Derry footbridge
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3/9/07 Karen (Jo and Sheila)
Stopped here on the way back from Loch Etchachan to pick up our bikes. The drains are a bit of a pain but still quicker than running -just!
13/10/07 Dave, Kathy, Derek and EvelynSecond attempt for me and Kathy (see Luibeg point). Again I broke my chain but this time I had the tool to fix it. Biked in from the Mar Lodge bridge. Took the path on the west side of the Derry out, but the east side back. The west path is bumpy and has lots of roots, whereas the east path has lots of drains to cross. Personally I preferred the drains to the roots. The views on the higher Eastern path are better. The second picture was taken from there, somewhere near the bridge. We were on our way to Loch Etchachan.
01/9/07- Peter.
Run round Ben Macdui taking in (4) Luibeg Burn, (3) Loch Etchachan, and (5) Glen Derry footbridge.
[6] NO 06854 93325 Clais Fearnaig
14/11/07 Karen (+Jo and Malcolm Croll) A cold and wet day and very wet underfoot. We walked in from Linn of dee car park.
30/06/07 Dave and Kathy. Followed in the wheel tracks of Gary from the Quoich ford. Actually, after 3 weeks they were probably some other Challenger. The ride through this little glen is what you might call 'good technical practice'. It is a great spot, there is a limestone outcrop here and lots of interesting vegetation. One of the limestone scree slopes was covered in rockrose and the very attractive round-leaved wintergreen, which is Near-Threatened in the British Red Data Book for Vascular Plants and only found in 42 10km squares in Great Britain - quite a good find!.08/06/07 Gary
After the Quoich Ford I headed up Clas Fearnaig. I was soon off the bike and walking up. Once the climbing finishes you can ride 
through the valley although the chances of ripping off a mech are high with lots of jagged rocks everywhere. Once through you are rewarded with a fantastic descent down to Glen Derry.
through the valley although the chances of ripping off a mech are high with lots of jagged rocks everywhere. Once through you are rewarded with a fantastic descent down to Glen Derry.[7] NO 09224 95205 Quoich ford
29/06/07 Karen, Moira and Jo. Cycled from Braemar and up the Quoich. After the main river crossing it felt like riding through a river most of the way!
30/06/07 Dave and Kathy. Parked at the bridge to Mar Lodge and biked here via Linn of Quoich, the same way as Gary. Didn't even think about riding across the ford.08/06/07 Gary
With a day off I planned a big day out getting lots of challenge points. I parked at Linn of Quaich and cycled up the glen on the East side. It is a Land Rover track and is boggy in places. I got to the Quoich Ford and attempted to ride across it but failed and walked across.
Once across there is the track of a thousand river crossings, they are all rideable however and you are soon on to a good track heading back down the glen. Next stop Clas Fearnaig.
Once across there is the track of a thousand river crossings, they are all rideable however and you are soon on to a good track heading back down the glen. Next stop Clas Fearnaig.
[8] NO 09495 99185 Beinn a Bhuird Dubh Loch
09/10/07 Peter
started at the punchbowl and ran up glen quoich until it joins the slugin, then up the path towards the clerics stone. from there there is a faint path that heads up into the corrie, i followed this as far as the waterfall before turning left and following the compass up to the loch. from there i couldnt see a thing and so simply pointed the compass west and forced my way up the corrie and onto the plateau. unfortunatly i did not find one of the grassy gullys that dave mentioned (below), instead i went up screes (two steps up- one step down) broken by rock bands which offered some easy scrambling. from the top of the corrie i visited the summit before following my compass down to the path to glen quoich. the path down makes a great run, long and fast on a fairly good surface. from there raced down the quoich just in time for training in the evening, a big day out for a single point!
10/09/07 Karen. A cold day. Cycled up Glen Slugain from Invercauld and ran up to lochan and back. Loads of blaeberries!
4/8/07 Dave H
Biked up the Slugain via point 13 then carried on on the newly rebuilt path that goes to the Cleric's stone (114992) and maybe further. Stopped when I got as close to the corrie as possible. The path is excellent for walking or running, but not so great for biking because there are a huge number of drains to cross. There must be at least 50, some of which you can ride across, some you can't, and some you can't tell until you have a puncture trying too hard. Good views down the Quoich though. Took 90 mins on the bike, and 60 back down. Ran/jogged/walked up to the corrie, in about 30 mins to the far end, with stops for photos and to see the large number of ptarmigan. The corrie is an impressive place, there must be lots of good rock climbs, there's certainly lots of rock. You could get to the summit of Beinn a Bhuird from here without climbing if you wanted to - there are several steep but grassy gullies. It would be quite easy to carry on to Ben Avon from where I left the bike - maybe another hour but I didn't have time.
21-10-07 Gail and Graeme
Determined to be the first to get Ben Avon but failed due to low cloud and the fact that we couldn't find our compass in the morning(not that we know how to use it anyway). Made it to this loch though and were almost standing in it before we realised it was there. Took a photo but decided not to bother posting it , as it looks just like Peter's. Cycled to the ruin and then walked the rest of the way. I agree it would make a nice run on a better day. Disappointed that we didn't make it to Ben Avon as I don't think we'll get another chance this year.
started at the punchbowl and ran up glen quoich until it joins the slugin, then up the path towards the clerics stone. from there there is a faint path that heads up into the corrie, i followed this as far as the waterfall before turning left and following the compass up to the loch. from there i couldnt see a thing and so simply pointed the compass west and forced my way up the corrie and onto the plateau. unfortunatly i did not find one of the grassy gullys that dave mentioned (below), instead i went up screes (two steps up- one step down) broken by rock bands which offered some easy scrambling. from the top of the corrie i visited the summit before following my compass down to the path to glen quoich. the path down makes a great run, long and fast on a fairly good surface. from there raced down the quoich just in time for training in the evening, a big day out for a single point!
10/09/07 Karen. A cold day. Cycled up Glen Slugain from Invercauld and ran up to lochan and back. Loads of blaeberries!
4/8/07 Dave H
Biked up the Slugain via point 13 then carried on on the newly rebuilt path that goes to the Cleric's stone (114992) and maybe further. Stopped when I got as close to the corrie as possible. The path is excellent for walking or running, but not so great for biking because there are a huge number of drains to cross. There must be at least 50, some of which you can ride across, some you can't, and some you can't tell until you have a puncture trying too hard. Good views down the Quoich though. Took 90 mins on the bike, and 60 back down. Ran/jogged/walked up to the corrie, in about 30 mins to the far end, with stops for photos and to see the large number of ptarmigan. The corrie is an impressive place, there must be lots of good rock climbs, there's certainly lots of rock. You could get to the summit of Beinn a Bhuird from here without climbing if you wanted to - there are several steep but grassy gullies. It would be quite easy to carry on to Ben Avon from where I left the bike - maybe another hour but I didn't have time.21-10-07 Gail and Graeme
Determined to be the first to get Ben Avon but failed due to low cloud and the fact that we couldn't find our compass in the morning(not that we know how to use it anyway). Made it to this loch though and were almost standing in it before we realised it was there. Took a photo but decided not to bother posting it , as it looks just like Peter's. Cycled to the ruin and then walked the rest of the way. I agree it would make a nice run on a better day. Disappointed that we didn't make it to Ben Avon as I don't think we'll get another chance this year.
[9] NO 08724 87095 Colonel's Bed
30/06/07 Dave and Kathy. Detoured up here on our way back to the car after doing 6 and 7. It's only a 2km trip up Glen Ey, then a short walk down to the river. You would never guess from the track that there was a deep gorge just 100m away. It's a fantastic spot, like Linn of Quoich but deeper and you can get down to the bottom (though I suggest that the last few metres are unrideable). There is a kestrel's nest a little further up the gorge.04/09/07 Peter
Ran up the glen on a cold morning with gloves and hat on to take in Beinn Lutharn Bheag, Cairn an Righ and then met up with mum and sis on Beinn Lutharn Mhor, by which time it was a scorcher. Walked back down for a swim at the bed followed by a cold beer in the fife.
the path down the face of Beinn Lutharn Mhor disapears towards the bottom, if you head towards the burn another path follows it down to the lodge
22/4/07 Karen + family. Walked up Glen Ey and scrambled down to edge of the burn. Cold but sunny day (boys swam in the river on the way back!)
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