Thursday August 15th

Mount Keen- David and Rachel

At the summit of Mount Keen

The second day of Rachel's present to David.

We had decided to do the "Big Walk" yesterday as the forecast for today wasn't so good. However, come the day, it looked as if it would be wet in the morning but clear later on, so we set off in the late morning for Invermark to walk Mount Keen. On the way, we had a pit stop in Tarfside (just as well, as a sign in Invermark told us that the public loos were in Tarfside!). The car park in Tarfside was graced by a number of very elegant ducks.

Ducks on parade

We put on our full waterproofs and made our way to the start of the walk, marked by a helpful signpost- we decided that the walk to Ballater could wait for another day.


The cloud was down and it wasn't obvious whether Mount Keen was hidden in clouds or by perspective.

Where's Mount Keen?

After a couple of miles (as indicated by the signpost) we approached Queen's Well.

Nearing Queen's Well

A plaque indicated that Queen Victoria and The Prince Consort visited the well and drank its "restorative waters" in September 1861. From the colour of the water, they were welcome to it. It probably worked for Queen Victoria but was probably not so effective for Albert.

We took a snack break just before the path steepened and looked back down Glen Mark.

Glen Mark

David told Rachel that he had a reputation with his walking friends that, as he reached summits in the mist, the weather would clear. Slightly early but as the summit of Mount Keen hove into view, the clouds started to lift.

A clearing sky and Mount Keen

A clear sky!

The path to the top of Mount Keen was shortened by perspective but the weather was clear although windy and the walking was great.

Nearing the top of Mount Keen
At the top- sunshine!

On our way down, Rachel spotted a painted pebble that we'd missed on the way up. We loved its sentiment.

With pleasure!

As we passed Queen's Well, it was in the last rays of the sun before being in the shadow of Craig Breaostock.

Queen's Well in the last of the sun

On our way home (as on the way out), we passed through the lovely village of Edzell with its arch. Rachel said that she would research properties for sale there!
Edzell Arch

Another wonderful day and we really made the most of our time. A great "experience" present.

A walk of 11.2 miles with 780m ascent.


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