Walk (186) Crathes Castle-Ley Wood-Coy Burn Circuit (Aberdeenshire)
This is a very pleasant walk amongst the extensive mature woodlands that surround Crathes Castle. There are occasional glimpses of the wider Deeside landscape, comprised of fertile farmland and forested low hills. The castle and its policies are now managed by the National Trust for Scotland and it is probably their most visited property in the north-east of Scotland. The walled garden is particularly popular with visitors, and we suggest you don’t miss out on the chance to explore this wonderful garden … 
John’s Facebook post: https://bit.ly/3ScLog6 , 31st July, 2022
Knocking About Knock Saul …
Drizzle at the Old Keig stone circle turned to hot and humid as we climbed over the shoulder of Suie Hill onto Knock Saul this afternoon … 
Alison’s Facebook post: https://bit.ly/3SfmTP8 , 30th July, 2022
Leith Hall Labours …
Back at Leith Hall today … This time for my first morning as a garden volunteer! Lots of weeding and berry picking done ..! 
Alison’s Facebook post: https://bit.ly/3zGre6L , 29th July, 2022
Moray Coast Magic …!
Redoing our Cullen-Logie Head route today, so enjoying both coast and countryside. What a scenic area this is …
Alison’s Facebook post: https://bit.ly/3aYQ3Sa , 23rd July, 2022
Walk (185) Moulin-Pitlochry Dam-Edradour Circuit (Perthshire)
This route is a good introduction to walking in and around the famously scenic Perthshire resort town of Pitochry. The walk starts and finishes in the pretty little conservation hamlet of Moulin and enjoys wide-open vistas up to the surrounding hills and forests, with the sharp peak of the hugely impressive Ben Vrackie dominating. As it progresses, the route takes in Loch Faskally, Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder, the Festival Theatre, the Black Spout waterfall, Edradour Distillery, and the ruins of the Black Castle of Moulin …
John’s Facebook post: https://bit.ly/3B8PlfD , 22nd July, 2022
Taking The Road To The Isles …!
It was too hot to hike towards the end of our time in Perthshire earlier in the week. Taking it easy and enjoying the beauty of the Tummel valley was a very enjoyable alternative …
…sure by Tummel and Loch Rannoch and Lochaber I will go…
Alison’s Facebook post: https://bit.ly/3v2KFEo , 21st July, 2022
Kenmore And Aberfeldy …
Kenmore Hill – small but tough – was today’s climb. Followed by a more leisurely stroll around nearby Bolfracks gardens …
Alison’s Facebook post: https://bit.ly/3uYlEKj , 17th July, 2022
Glen Tilt And Castle Blair …
Another longish hike today … into scenic Glen Tilt … topped off by a wee saunter around the Hercules walled garden at Blair Castle …
John’s Facebook post: https://bit.ly/3yNgqlD , 16th July, 2022
Moulin-Pitlochry-Edradour Ramble …
A long hike from Moulin this afternoon, taking in many of the local sights …
Alison’s Facebook post: https://bit.ly/3cePO5y , 15th July, 2022
Blue Bayou …!
The climb’s tough, even on the e-bike, to the top of Hill of Airlie. The views always make it worthwhile, though. The unusual blue tones of Phacelia, a “green manure” crop, in the middle distance …
Alison’s Facebook post: https://bit.ly/3O50nFq , 13th July, 2022
Walk (184) Suie Old Military Road-Knock Saul Circuit (Aberdeenshire)
There are some fantastic views on this approach to Knock Saul from the west, starting and finishing from a point above the hamlet of Tullynessle, on the Old Military Road that crosses the Suie Hill. Overall, the route is a mix of fairly open ground and conifer woodland of varying maturity, with the higher summit section passing through heather moorland. There is a trig point and picnic bench at the summit of Knock Saul, and also a low stone cairn, probably of ancient origin. The views from Knock Saul are wonderful …
John’s Facebook post: https://bit.ly/3RJoNY7 , 12th July, 2022
Evening Colours …
Taken on an early evening walk earlier in the week, the striking colour combinations couldn’t fail to catch my eye …
Alison’s Facebook post: https://bit.ly/3amCknV , 8th July, 2022
The climb’s tough, even on the e-bike, to the top of Hill of Airlie. The views always make it worthwhile, though.
Moray Firth Microclimate …!
With rain forecast all around, we took a chance on the Banffshire coast and a walk to scenic Strathmarchin Bay. We were lucky, heavy rain arriving just as we got back to the car …
Alison’s Facebook post: https://bit.ly/3nxSQnN , 2nd July, 2022
Warbirds …!
Sunflower seed costs have skyrocketed….but our resident goldfinches don’t seem to care … 
Alison’s Facebook post: https://bit.ly/3adk7cb , 1st July, 2022
The Mack Walks 