18 Aug 2007 - FINTRAY WALKERS

"After over 2 years of almost perfect weather for our walks the Fintray Walkers have hit a bit of a run of poor weather. After the soakings both on the Forest of Birse walk and on Ben Rinnes last month we were hoping for a better day for the traverse of An Socach.

Saturday dawned and with already a call-off due to the forecast (“torrential rain leading to localised flooding”) a hopeful group of 9 headed into Glen Ey from Inverey in light drizzle. After about ½ and hour it cleared up and remained dry for the next 2½ hours by which time we had walked up the Glen to the ruins of Altanour Lodge, where lunch was taken, and completed the long climb to the summit. The climb was made more interesting by the variety of wildlife seen, frogs, shrews, field mice, grouse, ptarmigan and deer. Once on the plateau the mist came down and this lasted for the next 3½  hours until we got back to the bus for the journey home. The route out took us over the east top and down the ridge for the walk out along the Baddoch burn. Many thanks to Dave for producing a “dram” just at the right time when spirits (no pun intended) were low.

Even with the weather as it was, which everyone agreed was much better than expected, given the forecast, everyone enjoyed the walk and a happy, if tired group headed home to hot baths.

Many thanks again to Sandy who gave up his day to drive the bus, making the walk possible."