Aha, perhaps El Tel will be along soon. The proposed site for the bridge, for anyone interested, is around NO146922. If built it could open up some interesting variations.

In the meantime it has been suggested in an 'off board' message (purists look away now) to simply catch the bus from Invercauld Bridge to Braemar for refuelling and then bus back again!

I have watched someone do this when the river was low ... but can you guarantee that it will be low?

If the water level is up, then it's a definite forget it.

Phil, I did exactly this way back in 1996. It's not a route which I would recommend as to reach the ford involves quite a commitment of time and energy, only to be punished by a retreat and long detour via Invercauld if it won't go. In the event, it was a dry year and I was fortunate in being able to cross with the water reaching only to my knees. I then had to paddle into Braemar with very wet feet. I was young(er), gung-ho and totally naïve in those far off days.

My route this year could involve a wade across the Dee, although I plan to go to Invercauld bridge.
However, if the river was low, it would sure save some time and miles.

Colin

Strangely strange and oddly odd, but I was just about to email you when I had a last peek at the board ... and there you were! (Ian Shiel had advised me that you might be the man to talk to).

All the replies that I have had, both on and off the board, give much the same advice. I had wondered vaguely if there was some broad reach of shallower water that might be possible in all but more extreme conditions, but it seems not.

I don't mind a commitment of time and energy but if it all came to naught I'd be mightily dispirited. So I guess I'll have to wait for bus ... or a bridge.

Thanks to all for your advice.