Drum and Crathes Loops via Hirn

The Easter holidays were over and a couple of regulars were back from their travels to regale us with tales of cycling in Holland (Robin) and sailing at Findhorn (John P), so it was a big turnout on another magnificent morning. Scott suggested a potential route out to Drum via Hirn, but I had to be back in Banchory by just after 11 am, so I said I would join the group but probably loop back to Banchory before Drum to make my appointment. Both Rob and John McW offered to chum me back, so off we trotted - all nine of us.

We stopped outside a farm for the team photo:

l-r: Scott Hunter, Robin Brodie, Rob Pollard, Ken Page, Dick Taylor, John McWhinnie, John Perry, Ian Sharp & Ian Stewart

John P's route overview shows:

This was the route followed by the main peloton of 7 who were looking forward to scones at Drum Garden Centre. By the time we had been cycling for an hour and before we went too far east of Banchory, I decided I couldn't go any further and still get back in time, so, joined by Rob, I headed back to Banchory via Crathes Castle. We made the return trip so quickly - less than half an hour later, we were back at Tesco, so, when Rob enquired whether I might have time for a quick scone at Buchanan's, I jumped at the chance.

The sun was warm and there wasn't a breath of wind as we sat outside:

John P's Strava stats show the distance as 36 kms, with my route 6 kms less than this - https://www.strava.com/activities/290961291