Louise's Big Adventure: Ls Belles, Yet More Trigpointing

On the chosen day, I nipped over to Laura’s and abandoned the car, then hopped into Laura’s van and we drove to chosen hill, The Scalp. We positioned the van very carefully so as to not block a field entrance or cause an obstruction on the road and I managed not to fall in to the ditch.

Off we set uphill (why, why is it always uphill?) and followed excellent tracks all the way, with only some minor dampness underfoot and a few squawking gulls to avoid. It didn’t long to gain the ridge line, after passing a very sad and sorry looking shooting hut, then in no time we were at the trig. With a little careful positioning, we were able to gain shelter from the strong wind and eat a picnic lunch, enjoying the rather splendid views.

Fabulous sky

Uphill, but not the top

Good tracks

Sad shooting hut (we didn’t try to go inside…)

Laura at the trig, the Moray Coastline behind

Looking west to Ben Rinnes

Coastline again, I think…

A distant pimple, can’t remember what we decided it was

East

Me, Ben Rinnes and the trig

…and Ben Rinnes

Auchindoun Castle, fantastic view from our vantage point

My huge Bourbon biscuit

Orchid!

We eventually made out the inscription on this monument, it was to Dr Grant

After returning to the van, we decided a cup of tea/coffee was in order, so popped into the distillery cafe at Craigellachie. It was rather pleasant. On the way back to Laura’s, her shepherding neighbour asked us to help with some sheep, we had to block their escape up the road so he could herd them into a field. A break away group ran up the hill, looked at us, baa-ed, then turned tail and ran away again. They returned with the mail flock, but turned at the gateway just in time and were successfully persuaded into the field. It was quite fun!

And so was the walk. Cheers Laura!