As we were part way up the steep ascent of Meal a Buchaille our daughter Robyn, who had planned our trip, said “Do you remember dragging me up Cader Idris when I was 7? Well, this is payback time!” She was right but the views from the top were well worth it. This was the first of four peaks, 15km in total, before ascending down through the woods back to our starting point at Loch Morlich. We went back to our chalet in Aviemore feeling as though we had been well stretched but knowing that we had two more days to do. All our new kit from Cotswold Outdoor performed well and Debbie’s back was fine.
The next day was much sunnier than the first and we planned a valley walk, but as the clouds lifted we decided to go up to the Cairngorm plateau. Wow! What amazing views! We didn’t quite make the “Munro” at the end of the plateau, but still achieved 21.2km. We were definitely ready for the Italian restaurant when we got back to Aviemore and stocked up with carbs!
Our third day was low level due to the worsening weather including snow! We drove to Loch Muick on the edge of the Balmoral Estate for a 12km walk that included sunshine, rain, hail and sleet. But it was well worth it due to the stunning scenery and finishing the day in the Lochnagar Distillery where we just had to sample the local malt!
The following day as we drove home from Aberdeen to Lichfield we heard on the travel news that the Tomintoul road which we had driven on the day before was closed due to snow. So we were very lucky to have had 3 excellent days walking.
On the fundraising side The Hedgehog Inn helped us with another bucket collection that added over £54 to our total which is now past the halfway mark. Debbie’s next fundraising event is a Pamper Day coming up soon – please email deb.s.phillips@btinternet.com for details if you want to support our local Hospice and have a beauty treatment for only £10. Annie Day from Heaven Scent Bliss has kindly donated a £50 voucher for the raffle.
We will be having a fundraising stall at the “It’s a Knockout” event being held by St Giles Hospice at Lichfield Rugby Club on Saturday July 6th. It will be a brilliant event, lots of water and great fun. Places still available for teams of 10, £20 entry fee per person and then £30 per person sponsorship. Contact Jenni Dawson on 01543 434542. In addition there will be a fairground on site, children’s go karting, bouncy castle, face painter, magician, stalls and refreshments. Hope to see lots of you there!
www.justgiving.com/Debbie-and-David-Phillips
