A day out to Strathdon

Seven members joined the 90 mile FFD ride to Strathdon on Sunday. We met at Westhill and following reports of lots of loose gravel on our usual side roads to Alford we decided to stick to the main road which was very quiet.

10.15 in Alford was too early for the Bistro to be open and the Transport Museum wanted us to pay an entry fee to use the cafe so we bought a take away coffee in the Spar shop and sat outside in their newish seating area.

We took the Kingsford road out of Alford, west to Muir of Fowlis. The scenery from there over to Strathdon along the banks of the Don was absolutely stunning and the weather was fantastic.

Following the Don through Strathdon and Bellabeg brought us to the purpose built picnic stop with tables & toilets.

After lunch the route retraced back a few miles then crossed over the Don on the very quiet A97, climbing to Heugh Head and Boltenstone. This is the hill separating Donside & Deeside.

Down the hill and past the tiny Migvie Old Church which no longer holds services but is open to the public and contains many local religious works of art.

Through Tarland and two miles up to the spectacular Queens View over the Howe of Cromar then all the way back to Aberdeen on the B9119 minor road.

Wonderful scenery and matching weather gave us all a great day out