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Re: Bramaer to Ballater

The DSW, being in the main on old railway is certainly mostly flat, straight and well surfaced, being designed for use by buggies, cycles, horses, wheelchairs and everything else. I understand quite a few challengers resorted to using it this year because they were suffering from strains and sore bits, probably because of the good weather and harder ground conditions and just wanted to get to the sea and complete the challenge. It doesn't show the area in its best light though, especially if you head all the way into Aberdeen where the route goes through a lot of cuttings and housing estates. Typically most folks who do use the DSW either deliberately or as a bail-out option only use it as far as Banchory and then cut across towards Stonehaven.
I'm not trying to discourage you from using it, especially if you really are looking for the easiest option, but I suggest maybe keeping it as a fallback and look at more interesting alternatives as your primary route. At the end of the day you don't need to make a decision until Braemar/ Ballater when you will have a better idea of health and stamina and the weather forecast for the next few days. There is a lot of info published on the DSW which is being improved all the time.http://www.deesideway.org/ There are actually long term plans to extend it to Braemar.

Re: Bramaer to Ballater

Thanks again Brian for your wise words. It might be time to stop underestimating myself and see what other options are available to me.

Cheers

Shaun

Re: Bramaer to Ballater

Straightfrward on the path out of Braemar . you can indeed walk through the estate and it is lovely. When you arrive at the estate do get water from the river when you cross the bridge as further into the estate water is scarce. On arriving at the little Castle Her Majesty has do not pitch right on the front lawn as the Corgis will get you.
There is a lovely area to pitch is you cross the river and go to the right down by the river past the Parking lot. Fairly secluded and with water and shelter.
My preference is to go to Calater lodge for the celebrations then over via Loch Nagar.
See you in May perhaps.
Dara, Ottawa

Re: Bramaer to Ballater

Dara, that's awesome mate, thank you.

Shaun

Re: Bramaer to Ballater

Hi Shaun

I did the Challenge this year and used the DSW into Aberdeen. I’d originally intended doing the Tarfside/North Water Bridge route to St Cyrus. As Brian says the DSW is very straightforward but when I got to Aberdeen I found that the harbour at Nigg Bay was undergoing extensive renovation work and I had to have a good look round to find some water to dip my foot in at the end of the day. I’d probably bale and head for Stonehaven if I was doing that particular part again. DSW has its merits but wild camping spots weren’t particularly abundant.

All the best
Paul

Re: Bramaer to Ballater

The hike from Ballater to the coast is not very pleasant. All road and some nasty motorway too. Camped at the Twelve Stanes which was fine. But I would not really recommend that route . It depends on your fitness of course. The Saturday night up at Callater Lodge though ----- wonderful even if dragging ones tail up the mountain the next day was a challenge in itself.