The final day walking on the Challenge dawned. I don't remember any rain during the night but when daylight arrived so did the look of rain. I suppose the weather will be the legacy of this year's Challenge. I did get myself up and my tent packed away and ready to go pretty early. I think I was ready to walk a bit before 7 am. Liz was stirring in her tent, but no where near ready (I don't blame her), so I called out a goodbye and set off.
A view of the bridge over the River Dee again on my way back up to the Deeside Way. Fortunately, there are biking and walking paths that let you bypass having to walk on the sidewalk next to the B road (all except actually crossing the bridge, to get back up to where I left the Deeside yesterday.
sorry for the photos that are "foggy." My phone was in my pocket most of the day, due to the rain and drizzle. The lens had a tendency to fog up.
Getting back up to the Deeside Way you cross over the A90. You can see the rain on my phone lens
You don't think about it too often, but train lines were routed along some very scenic locations, along a cliff or down by a river. Land that wasn't good for building was perfect for the train. Conductors would have had fantastic views.
There are lots of information signs along the path from Peterculter to Aberdeen, but this was one of the most unique. The Camphill Estates were founded here in 1940 by a group of Austrians. Their goal and mission was to help children with learning disabilities. They occupy the Murtle House just off the path here, but now, they also have 120 locations world wide.
Murtle Station once stood here as well and with it a hydropathic spa that would treat all sorts of illnesses with water therapy but inside and out.
This early in the morning the path is nice and quiet. Various stations along the path have been turned into very lovely homes and businesses.
This shop was called Grounds, I had to see if it was open. It is in Bieldside. It was a bit more than 200yrds off the path, but it didn't open until 9:30!.... outrageous. 🤣
There were a total of 4 bikes on the path today advertising various shops.
Just past the community of Cults the houses on both sides of the path starting getting really nice!
Into the closer suburbs of Aberdeen, I started to see more people walking their dogs and cyclists. More ornate bridges spanned creeks and roads.
A really lovely modern house in the middle of all the traditional ones
Just before the park you cross over the Deeside Way, Holburn Street Bridge.
Deeside Way, done and dusted, but this is a coast to coast walk, so on we go to the Aberdeen Beach and the sea.
Walking down the harbor toward the beach
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Made it to Aberdeen Beach.
and the North Sea
The Promenade above the beach was loaded with food trucks, but I was too early. I recognize there is a theme here over the last 4 days. 😆
This area also had many shops and an amusement park!
Checking the big board for my train time. Time enough to finally grab a coffee.
It is a short 30 minute train ride to Montrose and about 6 blocks to the Park Hotel
Challenge Control, lots of lovely people to greet you. They have worked so hard to make the Challenge possible and safe. Lots of congratulations, tea, coffee and a biscuit. You sign out officially to complete the Challenge and receive you completion certificate. It is still early, I think I was done at the beach by 9:30 and checking in around 11:30.
The box I mailed from Strathcarron with some clean clothes and my travel duffle bag did arrive and I picked that up as well. Control has really expanded, even since I have been doing the Challenge. They used to only need a small meeting room upstairs at the Park, now we need one complete side of the banquet room.
I stepped over to the Park Hotel bar to grab a celebration drink and finally relax a bit before going next door to the Links Hotel. It is the sister hotel to the Park and I have stayed there for everyone of my 6 crossings.
The Links Hotel
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My room
And another welcome site
In the evening on both Thursday and Friday there is a celebration banquet. It is a great time to catch up with friends and find out how there Challenge faired and to talk with new Challengers that you met during the crossing or didn't and talk with many more new people. There are many speeches; the number of Challengers, the average age this year, the number of people that needed to retire (quit) during the challenge and of course congratulating people for various completions.
Louise was getting her 10th crossing acknowledgement (plaque, champaign) and her husband David had arrived to meet her on the beach at her actual finish and then also attend the dinner.
Well done Louise 💗
Day 15 Summary and Stats:
The walk today was not the most exciting. I knew it would be urban. However, it was not anticlimactic. I enjoyed the path, looking at the houses, gardens and the view from the beach. I don't think I would call it guilt, but I felt a sense of "let down" for not being able to do the route I had spent two years planning, but plans change and the great thing about hiking is that you can find pleasure at anytime if you are just present in the moment. I was fully present everyday and while I try to relate my feelings during each day, despite any issues that occurred, I did enjoyed everyday to the fullest.
The Rest Of It.
Friday (the day after)
The next day, having missed finishing so close to the Charleston Strawberry Farm, Emma, Andy, Lindsay and myself all went for lunch and strawberry tarts.
Some ending thoughts and people to thank:
- I took 1100 photos, this year, which I have sorted through in order to post a few in this years blog.
- Coming home, I missed my flight from London to Chicago and my duffle bag was lost for 9 days before being returned to me.
- It was 5000 miles (8000 km) from my house to this year's starting point in Strathcarron Scotland.
Trips like this would not be possible without the tireless work of the people in Challenge Control, this also includes all the volunteers that stage themselves in various locations around Scotland to manage Challenge venues. The Vetter's that review all the routes and provide valuable feedback and advice. The event keeps getting better.
Thanks to Fiona and Fergie at the Alex, Anne at the Links Hotel, the Laggan Coffee Bothy, Lindsay (Feshie Bothy) and all the businesses that made myself and all Challengers feel so welcome.
Thanks to Ali for letting a couple of wet hikers come inside for tea and cake!
To Melanie and Billy in Cougie, you were without a doubt the biggest surprise and the highlight of my crossing this year.
To Emma, Andy, and Louise- thank you so much for your time, patience in putting up with me, but mostly your friendship.
Carl, David A, for being perfect companions.
Lorna, Danny, Lucy, Clara- thanks for letting me be part of your journey. I enjoyed your company immensely- Hope to see you all next year.
Humphrey- Thanks for putting up with an American, my dear friend. There will be others that I will miss in this post, but know, I enjoyed each moment and conversation.
Then mostly, to my wife Vicky, who continues to indulge me and my need to walk in the woods.💖
Done and gone, go away now. 😉
