Hi All.

My thoughts are with you as you put together your Cross Scotland Walkabout.

However I would like to draw to your attention to two pointers.

A) After much media coverage the proposed foot bridge over the River Dee at Braemar will not be put into place for the foreseeable future, (money and politics talk)
To cross the River Dee one can use the bridge at Mar Lodge, the bridge at Invercauld, or wade the Dee at various places outside Braemar.

B) The proposed Cross Scotland Walk Way -- Aberdeen to Fort William is I hear nearing paper completion. The missing link in the chain being Ballater to Braemar. However I understand work to put into place this stretch of Walk Way is at a latter stage of development. Although not published officially walkers can readily walk, via a variety of routes, Braemar to Ballater (even through Balmoral).

I hope this info is of some help.

As winter progresses I will update snow conditions in the Cairngorms as appropriate.

My plans are to walk a circular Mini Challenge about the Cairngorms, early May, to access conditions. Would welcome others to join the party.

Keep walking.

Doug Bruce.

Braemar.

Sad to hear the bridge project has gone, though not completely surprised!

The stroll through balmoral I quite like - could do either an alternative to that road mind!

Depends where you are coming from Andy but a look at the map will show at least three alternatives which will keep you off the road from Linn of Dee for most of the way. And if you are thinking of Braemar to Ballater it is possible to avoid more than half the road walk if you don't mind a few diversions.

Even with diversions that road to Ballater is a long one :-)

Willl probably nip round the back next year?

hi mr grumpy,now then would your guitar lake be the one on the JMT!!!
if so good choice,,,

The very same Terry dear boy!

the sunset was something to be rembered a terry