Happy Monday, friends! I am high as a kite today about the response to the new project, #48walks. Lots of wonderful walks were shared over the weekend in the Facebook group and on Instagram! You can still jump in and walk with us this year in any way you like!
Joining and sharing and tagging is just a fun way to remind each other that no matter the weather, short or long, to somewhere or to nowhere, getting outside for a walk is an excellent way to spend some time. And to defy the fact that it is January!
It rained all weekend here in Scotland but since we all got waterproofs (rain pants/trousers) for Christmas, we packed up anyway and headed to a trail that Taido picked out for us. Of course only three of us wore our waterproofs, so three boys got soaking wet.
We set out in a light drizzle but the rain was much heavier for the last hour of our walk, so we arrived for a late lunch in Ballater looking like we’d fallen into the river. Everyone ordered soup. And hot tea, of course.
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A few more details for if you want to head out on the Seven Bridges Walk yourself:
The winter winds have been so dreadful on our last few hikes to the tops of hills that I specifically requested and was granted a more level walk. The Seven Bridges Walk circles the small town of Ballater and, perhaps somewhat obviously, crosses seven bridges. The route meanders along, across and around the River Dee. The walk begins and ends in Ballater, so we parked in the center at the old train station.
Where are you walking to this year?
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Gorgeous photos. I’ve never had a lot of money to travel, but I am soooo living vicariously through your walks and other adventures. Keep ’em comin’, sister!
By the way, I walked Saturday but haven’t posted (I forget there’s a Facebook page for it). I listened to a much-needed podcast but didn’t take pictures. (Can’t do both with the proper attention to either one.) I’ll be out again today, though.
Thanks Suzy!! So glad you got out and that there’s been some better weather in your neck of the woods. 🙂 I love getting to hear a good podcast when I’m out on my own!!
The pictures are beautiful. I am so in love with the garden you found. Even in the rain and chill, a walk is so nice and refreshing. Today we are supposed to have great weather so two of us are getting back out there again today. Sunny and 60 degrees. Absolutely no reason not to.
Thanks so much Mandi! So cutie right??
So glad you’re having beautiful weather!! I’m looking forward to spring coming. Still a ways off… 🙂
You really put me to shame! It rained here and so I stayed indoors, catching upon photo editing! Lived here too long …. am become a wuss! FYI slightlywarmer than it was in Ireland!
Rainy days are a great time for photo editing! I have a bit of catching up to do myself. 🙂 We stayed in on Sunday while it rained but I didn’t get nearly enough done. (Rain is also great for naps…)
So beautiful Alison. For some reason I wasn’t expecting to see pine trees. And was that a yak? What animal was that? The vegetable garden located below the cemetery made me a little nauseous. Not sure I’d partake in that produce. Looks like a good weekend outing.
So funny…I did not even think about that! That graveyard is super old though, so those folks are long gone I think. Still, it is a little creepy to think about. 🙂
That animal is a Highland Cow. (Heilan Coo in local parlance) They are super pretty cows, but I can’t figure out how they can see.
Alison, thank you for always posting these beautiful pictures! I enjoy them so very very much!! It is a way for me to see a country that I probably will never see in person. Please keep it up! Love, Vicki
Oh, Alison–that is so funny what you friend said about the garden below the cemetery! Made me smile. I didn’t think of that either. 🙂 I think you are probably right in your assessment of the situation though.
How long did this walk take?
Thanks so much Vicki for your sweet comments!! I think it took us a little over 2 hours and it was about 6.5 miles to go all the way around. 🙂
Are you using your new camera (have you gotten it yet?) or were these taken with your phone? Great shots! I get giddy when I see a highland cow. Is that crazy? I think they are so cute!!
Totally feel the same way about the Highland Cows! They are so pretty!!
YES! These shots are about half and half. Once it started raining really hard, I wrapped up the camera for the day, so phone pictures after the cows and the church at the top is from my phone as well. 🙂 I still go back and forth and I’m not quite comfortable with it yet.