Cairnton

Match report courtesy of Rob, and the photos were received from Dick after this morning's group cycle:

"'twas a gray, dribbly morning when six intrepids gathered at the guide hut; Jeff Dickens, Dick Taylor, Ian Sharp, Scott Hunter, Robin Brodie and Rob Pollard. Rob suggested a route along the north bank of the Dee, where we had not set wheel before; this was deemed a good idea, at the time!!!
The trail led up to Inchmarlo golf course (deceased), round the home farm and down to Bridge of Canny. Then, along an amazingly smooth road to Cairnton House and beyond, following the north bank. This took us through some lovely woods, golden leaf drop everywhere, and back up to the main road after Woodend House. Dick should have some photos of the scenic bits. Across the A93 and up past Easter Sluie to the top of Sluie Hill, which was a first for most of us. (Yellow cards were issued to the leader for the severity of the hill) We then thundered down a puddly track to the Craiglash road. The route should have gone for a couple of miles along good farm tracks, but the Ordnance Survey got it wrong again and we had to do a small back-track; however, we soon  hit the Glassel road and dropped back into Banchory via the Hill of Brathens. Good coffee and cakes at Teese. Everybody needed hosing down but there was only one 'involuntary' dismount. Great fun .   :-D" 

Looks to me like Rob Pollard, Jeff Dickens, Scott Hunter, Ian Sharp, Robin Brodie & Dick Taylor all made it. John Perry and Archie Cook had pre-warned that they might not make it, and I guess John McWhinnie didn't fancy making his comeback in the dreich weather after his extended spell in Portugal - I don't blame him - it didn't look too good when I headed off to work this morning.

The route and the stats are available here - http://www.strava.com/activities/213461034