Delavine-Corgarff

Glorious september day so decided to return to my spiritual home- Corgarff- and also a return to the ‘true faith’ so took the mountain bike by the old military road and went to the top of Carn Leac Saighdeir which features a trig point and some slabby rocks. On the direct descent towards Delachuper went over the handlebars but the heather made for a soft landing. I recall doing exactly the same thing about twenty years ago so my technique hasn’t improved in the interim.Had a cup of tea with Jenny at the Bothy then back home.

Dropped off a vehicle in Dunecht and cycled back in bad weather via Glenbuchat-approx 40 miles.Pleased to see the waterproofs worked pretty well.

Round by Cabrach with Paul-my third. The weather was great as were the pancakes in Tomintoul.We had the Blackberry tracker and were spotted doing zero miles an hour in Briggies!!

Round by Cabrach again with John and his friend Andy from Tain-did it the other way round this time ie. Tomintoul Dufftown  .Stopped at the Lecht for coffee and forgot to pick up my bag when we left but luckily the day was improving after a wet start so didn’t need waterproofs.After being hit by a car wing mirror on the Aberdeen trip have started riding a bit further out from the verge  so cars will be forced to make a proper manoeuvre. Swung into Glenkindie pub for a welcome pint.

Went with Cath and friends Linda and Rose via Dinnet , Kinnord and the tracks behind Burn ‘o Vat to Ballater for coffee and cakes then back along the old railwayline-very pleasant outing.

Spent a couple of days recently exploring some of the many cycle tracks through and around Edinburgh with Cath and daughter Rona .They follow old railway lines and the canal towpaths and bits along the Water of Leith. Heavily wooded a lot of the time you wouldn’t think you’re in the middle of a great city.Spent a happy hour in the Edinburgh bike Coop in Bruntsfield looking at all the lovely kit.(bought a chain cleaner)

Went round by Lumsden,Cabrach,Dufftown,Tomintoul-fine day not much wind.

Dist 74 miles. Had loud music on coming over the Lecht to help dull the pain!

Cycled down Seil Island then across to Luing-home of the famous Luing cattle. The weather was fine and the sea calm with stunning views to Scarba,The Garvellachs and across to Mull.

Sunday 12th saw a good turnout at Bellabeg on a bright spring morning.

Paul,Chris Tauber, Richard and myself opted for a mountainbike trip starting at Corgarff and heading by Delnadamph and Inchrory then northwards for a few miles before following a hill track to Glen Loin and a feature called the Castle- a rocky steep sided ravine where the Water of Caiplich flows- a remote and beautiful spot.

We then a had a brilliant run down Glen Loin with the late snowfields on Ben Avon and Beinn A’ Bhuird creating an almost alpine feel. We had a welcome rest at Inchrory on the way back while Chris mended a puncture then it was back to Corgarff Castle carpark and a pint at Briggies-a great day.

Distance 44 kilometres-27 miles