Thursday 8th January 2025
A snowy walk to Raven’s Rock (4.5 miles).
I had no intention of recording this walk but once I reached the woods it was just so beautiful I had to take some photos. I left the house at 1.40 for my daily exercise. I headed over the fields to get to above Newbridge. Here I took the track that leads to the cottage at Upper Balnacraig and turned into the forest at the gate.
Just a short way along the forest track it looked like this.
Going down towards Raven’s Rock.
Just look at the icicles on Raven’s Rock!
It is quite stunning at this bend in the Averon. Mairi and I often cycled here when she was still at school. She lost a much loved locket and we never found it. I still keep my eyes open.
At the end when about to come up the rough earth steps.
These signs point out the names of the fishing beats. Three months ago coming on this walk you would meet the rich people with their fancy four wheel drives and fancy fishing rods.
You come back to the main track and it climbs. It is a frozen world today.
I took this picture as it reminded me of where the Hobbits hid from the Nazgul, the Black Riders, in the film “The Fellowship of the Ring”. I can hardly believe that film is 2001.
There were quite a few trees down.
An un-trodden snow path is magical. Of course after I passed along it change to trodden.
The forest has been cut down and you get some wonderful views. Looking to Beinn Tharsuin.
Looking over to Glaick.
Got to take a selfie.
And then I reached the Boath Road about 1.5 miles from the house at 3.05. Then it was just a walk down the road. The snow plough had been through which made the walking much easier though you have to watch not to slip.
The edge of Cnoc Duchaire.
Cnoc Ceislein.
At a mile from the house is this view out over to the Cromarty Firth.
That is the field I crossed before. The corner of the forest I aimed for is where the cottage and outbuilding is showing.
The back garden is a mess of tracks in the snow as the grandchildren were sledging.
I found Anne had put a lot more salt down as my daughter in law struggled to get her car out.
Next day. More snow!
I arrived back at the house at 3.35. I have a cold coming on and am not feeling at my best but what a lovely walk.