This info is not entirely Challenge useful but I notice there is a new bus running from Braemar via Ballater to Loch Muick - it's a number 200 if you want to look up the timetable....Will run about 5 times a day for weekends and weekly in school holidays.....Rumours locally say it will be an open-topped vehicle......that'll be fun!

That'll save quite a bit of Orrible Plodding!

Is there one from Laggan to Braemar, I wonder?

Gosh, this looks like A Very Wonderful Jaunt. And yes, it is indeed an Open-Topped Tour! Lashings of Ginger Beer and a hamper of scoff sound in order. Just the boy for a bucolic Saturday Jaunt before the Serious Business begins - or a cheery Sunday Snuggle to blow away the Saturday night cobwebs. Tickety-boo!

Click here to take a look at the timetable

And Stagecoach have a dedicated page telling you much more about this Click here to take a look

It's a hop-on hop-off deal with the ticket valid over two daze along the entire route. £12 for an adult, £6 for a child/concession or £24 for a group.

Ah yes. I called Stagecoach Bluebird in Aberdeen with that very same question about grope fares just a moment ago. But all their operators were busy. I left them a massage . . .

A"grope" and a "massage", sounds a wonderful day out!