Sunday, 11 June 2017

Crossing Scotland

This week saw me, accompanied by Alex, 11 students, a modern language teacher and the head of school from 'Robert Gordon's College' head out on a cross Scotland Expedition. The Plan was to Stand Up Paddle Board across the infamous 'Rannoch Moor' Cycle to Blair Athol then continue cycling through Glen Tilt to Braemar and then two days kayaking on the River Dee. Unfortunately mother nature had other ideas! Despite this and many logistical changes the group were amazing and took each challenge with good humour and guts.

 Loading up the SUP's

 Batten down the hatches ready for the impending weather!

 First time for the group on SUP's, so why not tackle one Scotlands remote crossings

 One HEAVY down pour on Loch Ba

 Happy chappy!

 Having the option to put a second blade instead of a T-Grip was crucial when it became windy

 Atmospheric, with 'Stob a Choire Odhair' in the back ground

 Entering the river section/portage of the crossing before Loch Laidon

 More portaging amongst the most stunning scenery

 Remote and wild

 The group portaging around a section of river

Alex looking after the food!

 The group getting to camp around 20:00 after a big day on the water

 Midges were on good form

 Sunset over Rannoch Moor

 The kitchen

 Fred and Head of School Mr Mills joining us after doing the shuttle

 Day 2 heading to Rannoch Station

 It started raining at 23:00 the night before and didn't stop until 08:00 the following day!!

 Entering Dubh Lochan

 After drying off in the hostel the night before, the group ready for a day on bikes

 We cycled out of Braemar up to here The Linn of Dee then on to Derry Lodge up in Glen Lui

 Looking up Glen Lui

 Blue sky after 36 hours of rain was very welcome

On the way back to the hostel looking west in Royal Deeside

 Followed by a photo bomb from Mr Mills!!!

 Day 4 in kayaks on Loch Kinord as the River Dee was in flood!

 Night 4 and it was raining again. So the tarps were out again

 Final day walk up a hill

The Group

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