Day 11 - Braemar to Shielen of Mark

It’s amazing how much difference a couple of days can make. The last two days have seemed much easier, like we are in a groove. Yesterday was a short hike with the promise of showers. Today’s hike was to be long with a significant amount of elevation. Despite that, we cruised through the kilometres and made it 5 km past our planned stopping point before dinner time. We had some great conversations throughout the day, ranging everywhere from sports to politics to egg salad sandwiches!! Our feet feel good, our spirits are high, and anticipation is building as we near the end of our journey.

The scenery today was spectacular. This area is new to me and I was so surprised at how beautiful it all was. First we climbed through Ballochbuie Forest. 

Walking Through The Forest

As we exited the forest the vistas opened up and we started skirting around the east side of Lochnagar, the most prominent mountain in the area. It has a beautifully curved shape that cradles a high mountain loch in it. The views back down the valley below and up to the pass to come were unforgettable.

Nice Spot For Early Lunch Break

East Side Of Lochnagar

We descended into the Spittal of Glenmuick before we started our last climb of the day up the Allt Darrarie gorge. Once at the source of the stream we went off trail for a few kilometres over one last hill to the well hidden Shielen of Mark bothy.

Spittal Of Glenmuick

Allt Dararrie

Footbridge

Ben And Sam’s Bunk

We were the first to arrive and the boys were quick to claim their bunks. I decided to tent it on my own for this evening. I may regret this because as I am typing this my fingers are starting to freeze out here…We’ve had a wonderful evening greeting at least 15 challengers as they have arrived and pitched up by the Bothy. It’s been a very nice way to end a long day of walking. I think the boys are really enjoying and embracing this part of the challenge. I have seen them hanging out with new friends, laughing, and trading stories. It is very cool for me to watch.

Hanging Out At The Bothy

Bothy Shot (BJJ)

Tomorrow should be an easy walk to Tarfside where I suspect we will run into even more Challengers. We are planning to start early, which will hopefully give us a luxurious afternoon of doing nothing after we set up camp.

That’s it for tonight. Thanks for reading everybody!!

JM About To Freeze For The Night 🥶

Day 11 Route - 28.5 km, 864 m ascent