Braemar

We returned yesterday from 5 days up in Braemar, at the Invercauld Arms.

Despite the name, and the weather, the hotel was snug and warm, and we were totally isolated from the snow and howling winds.

The weather did limit our travelling.

Our first outing to Grantown on spey came to a premature end when we ran into a blizard on the infamous "Cockbridge to Tomintoul road.

It seemed wise to turn back as we could not see the road in front of us, and we had not yet reached the highest point of the road.

We never did get to Grantown On Spey.

We did visit Ballater, Aboyne, Banchory, the Lynn of Dee and Aberdeen itself.

Of course, Braemar is close to Balmoral Castle, the holiday home of the Royal Family. It is closed at this time of the year, but we passed it every day. We did visit the Royal Loch Nagar Distillery, but I was ignored by the lady on the shop who was busy with another couple. I did not buy any of the famous malt whisky. But at £32.00 for the cheapest bottle, it was no hardship actually.

Ballater is where the Royal train used to deposit the Royal Family on their visits to this part of Scotland. Queen Victoria was a regular visitor here. There is an interesting little museum at the former railway station. Well worth a visit.

At Aberdeen, we popped into the Cathedral for a visit and we caught the beginning of the Candle blessing just before Mass, it being Candlemas Day.

All in all, it was a relaxing visit and we shared our meals with a lovelyy couple from Newcastle,

Jim and Di.

We returned home on Friday via Aberdeen, as there were possible problems on the road back via Glenshee and Blairgowrie.

It was not a pleasant journey as once we reached Stonehaven, the rian and storm force winds began, which lasted most of the way home.

Photos show Ballater, and the hotel.