The alarm went off. Struggled to open my eyes. Just a little snooze. There’s no need to rush today. And then… then I remembered why I was so tired. The night didn’t bring me much needed rest, I was still dealing with the aftermath of a heatstroke. Left my tent before I even had a chance to make myself a coffee. Will spare you the details but I was glad I’ve had that one tablet of Imodium. Prayed it will be enough to get me to Braemar.
It was one more of my short days. My blisters started to heal, walking wasn’t as painful anymore. At least some good news for my body. Ten miles only without much ascent, oh how sweet my life was that day!
First I stopped at Linn of Dee. With its fast flowing water, River Dee can be seen in all it’s glory. From there I walked alongside the road, straight to Mar Lodge. It’s one of those places that look after the challengers. During The Great Outdoors Challenge doors are open, and tea, coffee and biscuits are waiting for you. There is plenty of space for everyone to sit down and relax for a little bit, also sockets to charge your phone and a wifi to connect to the outside world after few days in wilderness. Oh, they also take resupply parcels. First I came across that idea on my previous challenge. How brilliant- to send yourself few items, either food or a set of clean clothes (that were waiting my arrival at Montrose). I told myself to do that on my other long distance walks too.
Challengers come and go at Mar Lodge, you can almost be sure to have some company while enjoying your cup of tea. Ranger from the estate joined us too to listen to our stories from the crossing. Also told us that the temperatures dropped to 2 degrees the previous night. No wonder I was shivering- it wasn’t only a heatstroke, it was freezing outside too!
The only problem with Mar Lodge is that you have to leave it at some point and carry on with your day. I put my resupply parcel in my bag and left, hoping it was the one with all my food, not spare clothes and shoes. I was feeling way better, looks like cup of tea (or two) can fix most of the problems. There are only four miles from there to Braemar- easy work!
Not long after crossing The Victoria Bridge I spotted another Challenger. It was Elliott whom I’ve met on my first day and haven’t seen since. What a nice surprise! We walked together to Braemar where I headed to the campsite and he carried along to Lochcallater Lodge. Amazingly, when I reached the campsite it was still early afternoon. I pitched my tent and ran for the shower. Oh, the joys!
Later that evening I went to Fife Arms. Pricey, I know. Sat down at the hotel bar, The Flying Stag, and enjoyed my overpriced pint. I turned to a waitress ‘Hey, I have two questions. Where are your toilets and where is your Picasso?’ ‘We actually have two. I will show you!’ she smiled and took me to one of the back rooms. Oh yes, I didn’t mention. Small village in the middle of Scottish Highlands may be the least expected place to look for Picasso paintings. But there, in Fife Arms they have it. Even two, I found out that day.
One day you are sh*tting in the woods, the next you enjoy fine art while having an overpriced pint in a fancy hotel bar. It is called the balance. But for my second pint I went just across the road to Farquharsons where I joined Keith and Stuart. It was Keith’s twenty first (!) crossing and listening his stories was way more enjoyable than getting a mortgage for a second pint at The Flying Stag. But if in Braemar, look out for the Picasso paintings. Paying a bit extra for that pint is worth it after all.
Route taken: White Bridge- Linn of Dee- Mar Lodge- Victoria Bridge- Braemar (16km)
Outdoors with Karolina 