Shooting Greens - Feughside - Bogendreip

Bob provided today's report:

"Fab 4 Magical Mystery Tour, Monday 20/4/15

A different Fab 4 (Dick, Ian St, Jeb, and Bob) met at the Guide Hut at 1pm. No one had thought about a route for the day and this was being discussed when the man from Banchory Bikes walked past with his dog.  He stopped for a chat and also tried to persuade us that pedal clips were the way to go (we’ll let Archie put the counter argument – hope you’re recovering from your fall).  He also suggested Shooting Greens as a good ride.  This saved having to use further brain power to think of a route so off we set.

The entrance gates to Blackhall were shut with a ghillie appearing to be on guard on the other side, but a few smooth words from Dick saw us through and cycling along beside the Dee.  Spring flowers were out, the air was clear and the sun sparkled on the water – magic!

On past the gravel pit and up the hill brought us to a rest spot where the track splits.  The views up and down the valley were spectacular. A rock tossed down the hill, hitting the new deer fence below started a study into wave motion as the waves rippled along the wires.  After a quick debate on route choice (across and down to Potarch, or up to Shooting Greens and down to Feughside) we decided on the Shooting Greens option.  There was some mumbling about hills not being in the rules but this didn’t turn out to be too bad, and the run down to the Feughside Inn was a breeze.

The Feughside Inn was open so we had a pleasant stop for tea/coffee and scones sitting outside on the bench. While all feeling happy and relaxed Dick persuaded us to try a different way back to Banchory – a cunning route which crosses the Feugh at the bridge near the Feughside Inn and then takes tracks and paths contouring round the south side of the valley just above the flood plain level. The track was a bit rough in places and Ian took a spill, but fortunately only resulting in a graze. A few boggy spots could be avoided (probably not a route to do in wet conditions), and a stream crossing over a rickety bridge gave some added interest. On past hidden lochans, one with a zip wire over it, brought us to a steading and a good track leading to Bogendriep (what a great name – sounds like somewhere that should be in a spooky movie!).  The short cut above Kirsty’s Brae took us over to the back road leading down past Mill of Cammie and back to Banchory.

A great ride with superb weather, a new tea stop, and (for most of us) an exploration along a new track in Feughside.

Bob"

Now the photos - first before the climbing started:

Then outside the Feughside Inn, with superb views of Cloch-na-Beinn:

Strava shows a distance of 27 kms with approx. 1,200 feet of climbing - https://www.strava.com/activities/289122967