Cults Hillwalking Club

Ceilidh Supper Dance
2017-03-17 19:30 - 22:30 UTC
On Saturday 17 March 2017 at the Kippie Lodge, North Deeside Road, Milltimber.
The evening begins at 7.30 pm

Unfortunately this event has been cancelled due to low uptake of tickets

Supper TBA
A popular local band will play until midnight.
For those unsure of Scottish country dancing steps the bandleader will demonstrate the dances and call the steps
Tickets TBA available from Committee Members.
NB. No boots please!

First Aid Course
2017-03-16 19:00 - 21:30 | Cults School, Earlswells, Cults, Aberdeen, AB15 9RG
A few places are still available on the one evening First Aid course which has been arranged for Thursday 16th March at 7.00pm at the Cults Primary School. ‘Introduction to Basic First Aid for the General Hill Walker’. It will be run by Alan Crichton, Principal of “Mountain Skills”. Cost is £15.00 per person.
Please book by emailing Peter at cultshillwalking@outlook.com

Glen Ogil
2017-03-12 08:00 - 18:00
Glen Ogil

Date
12 March 2017
Map
OS 44

Map Ref
Longer Walk
Shorter Walk
Map Ref

START
NO 373 653
Gella Bridge
Haughhead
START
NO 447 626

Click on Map Ref for Map
Shank Hill

Balbui
Glenogil

Dog Hillock
Baikies

Toady Hill
St Arnold’s Seat

Auld Darkney
Naked Tam

Naked Tam
Auld Darkney

Redheugh
Kellor Wood

FINISH
NO 447 626
Haughhead

Haughhead
FINISH
NO 447 626

Distance
11 mls
18 km
9 mls
15 km

Height
2,690 ft
820 m
1,690 ft
515 m

Glen Ogil Blog
2017-03-12 08:00 - 17:00
[Show slideshow]

Management of the River Dee
2017-03-02 19:30 - 21:30 | Cults School, Earlswells, Cults, Aberdeen, AB15 9RG
Talk by Ross MacDonald

Coastal Walk: Gardenstown to Troup Head Blog
2017-02-12 08:00 - 18:00
The coastal walk was much in demand and a larger coach was arranged for the day. An issue with the coach in Banff almost scuppered the planned outing. Fortunately the driver was able to quickly restore the vehicle to operation (with the assistance of the engineers in the club) and we were back on schedule.
Three walking groups set off from Cottage Farm and after a short visit to the ruins of St John’s Church descended to the beach by a muddy and very slippery path (fortunately no injuries). Then it was a brisk walk across the sandy beach to Gardenstown harbour and onwards by the path below the cliffs to Crovie. The benches by Crovie jetty provided a comfortable snack stop before the “big climb” of the day to Crovie Head.
The walkers on the shorter route continued on farm roads to Northfield while the majority continued eastwards along the cliff top. Vertigo and gorse persuaded both groups to cross to the inside of the fence. The walk leaders were well prepared and pipe insulation magically appeared from rucksacks to simplify the crossing of the barbed wire.
Troup Head was quickly reached where the winter sun highlighted the gannets and fulmars gliding below. Once everyone was back on the coach at Northfield it was off to the Fife Arms in Turriff for an enjoyable meal and some welcome refreshment!

[Show slideshow]

Coastal Walk: Gardenstown to Troup Head
2017-02-12 08:00 - 18:00
Gardenstown to Troup Head

Date
12 February 2017
Map

Map Ref
Walk
OS 29

START
NJ 788 634
Gardenstown

The walk starts at Cottage farm, along a track to the ruined St. John’s Church, then descending to the beach at Gamrie Bay and along to Gardenstown Harbour. From the harbour the walk goes along the beach and path below cliffs to Crovie and then climbs up to Crovie head and along the cliffs via Collie Head to Troup Head, finishing at Northfield Farm.
The final part of the walk involves some rough walking and through a few gorse patches so there will an alternative route from Crovie Head to Northfield Farm via tracks and minor roads. This is shorter (4.0 miles/ 6.5km).

Click on Map Ref for Map
Crovie

The Law

FINISH
NJ 823 660
Troup Head

Distance
6 mls
9 km

Height
1,565 ft
480 m

Meal afterwards at The Fife Arms, Turriff

Two courses – main course and dessert for £28. Due to the cost of the meal there will be no bus fare for this walk. It is essential that members advise their menu choice when booking a place on the walk, including any special dietary requirements.
Walk bookings to: Walk Convenor, Peter Smith at cultshillwalking@outlook.com

Main Courses
– Sunday roast rib of beef, yorkshire pudding, potato, vegetables and gravy
– Seabass fillets with a sauce vierge, saute potato and salad
– Chicken breast with a mushroom and Drambuie sauce, dauphinoise potato and vegetables
– Vegetable open lasagna with salad.

Dessert:
– Creme brulee, biscuit
– Sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream ice cream
– Ice cream selection with berries
– Freshly made cheesecake
Tea and coffee

Droving
2017-02-02 19:30 - 21:30 | Cults School, Earlswells, Cults, Aberdeen, AB15 9RG
Talk by Ron Brander
Ron leads the Strathbogie Rambling Club and has researched the heritage of the area (Huntly, Dufftown, Tomintoul and Strathdon), in the course of which he has learned a fair amount about droving and the drovers’ life.
Ron has promised an interesting talk on droving in general including material of relevance to the topography and heritage of the area.

Kerloch Blog
2017-01-15 08:00 - 16:00
The first walk of 2017 in January saw a full bus, including a few new members, set off in icy conditions on a dull, but milder day, compared to the previous sunny but cold windy day. The forest track was not so slippery and was a pleasant introduction to the new year’s walks. Progressing to the top of Kerloch we encountered more snowy but manageable tracks. A very chilly wind at the top meant a quick descent into more sheltered terrain and a lunch stop. The proximity of Kerloch to Banchory and the shortish route of 8 miles meant we were all back at the bus by about 2.30pm. After a stop for “rehydration” at the Feughside Inn we were all back to Cults by 4.00pm.

[Show slideshow]

Kerloch Walk
2017-01-15 08:00 - 15:00
Kerloch

Date
15 January 2017
Map
OS 45

Map Ref
Walk

Map Ref

START
NO 663 910
Bridge of Bogendreip

START

Click on Map Ref for Map

Cairn Kerloch

Glenskinnen

FINISH
NO 702 917
Knockburn Loch

FINISH

Distance
8 mls
13 km

Height
1,640 ft
500 m

Exploring Old Roads in Deeside
2017-01-05 19:30 - 21:30 | Cults Kirk Centre, 404 North Deeside Road, Aberdeen, AB15 9TD
Talk by Graham Marr

Speyside Way/ Craigellachie Walk
2016-12-11 08:00 - 18:00
Speyside Way/ Craigellachie

Date
11 December 2016
Map
OS 28

Map Ref
Longer Walk
Shorter Walk
Map Ref

START
NJ 288 450
Craigellachie
Aberlour
START
NJ 265 429

Click on Map Ref for Map
Aberlour

Knock of Gownie
Knock of Gownie

Burnhead
Burnhead

Balvenie
Balvenie

Speyside
Speyside

FINISH
NJ 288 450
Craigellachie

Craigellachie
FINISH
NJ 288 450

Distance
11 mls
17 km
9 mls
14 km

Height
1,310 ft
400 m
1,215 ft
370 m

Speyside Blog
2016-12-11 08:00 - 17:00
This clockwise circular walk began and ended at the Craigellachie hotel for the long walkers but the short walk began further round at the car park near the Balvenie distillery warehouses , the end of the Glen Fiddich section, close to Dufftown railway station.
The day was fair and mild with only a small shower at the end of the day. The path was good all the way with perhaps 200m elevation, allowing the fast long walkers to be barely 10 minutes behind the short walkers at the end. The first section of the walk enters Glen Fiddich, along a spur of the Speyside way. The Fiddich is always close by and the path soon becomes the old railway track to Dufftown, a line which had served the distilleries in the area from 1862 until 1971. The path continues through a twisting tree filled gorge with steep sides, subject to occasional landslides (which closed it in 2004 and subsequently reduced (official) access to walkers only). It crosses the river via a narrow bridge which affords some respite along the tunnel like path (which some members enjoyed with the bare trees now allowing less restricted views than the reconnoitre in July!). This section finishes at the entrance of the Balvenie warehouses, where the A941 is negotiated for a few hundred yards before the way turns up a marked pathway by farm buildings, off the road. The walk turns into a pleasant uphill stroll past a small waterworks and alongside deciduous woods. A bench here afforded the short walkers with a good photo opportunity, and a nearby plastic construction was examined in detail, with no conclusions as to its purpose. Before the watershed at Hill of Gownie the wood becomes coniferous, and the short walkers took their coffee break in the shelter of the trees. Not long after the descent begins the path becomes a tarred road and it is plain sailing into Aberlour. Here the short walkers enjoyed a leisurely lunch on the banks of the Spey watching the busy river with herons checking their favourite spots on the other side, with dogs and folk of all sizes and shapes taking in the mild Sunday weather. Realising the long fast walkers may soon be baying at their heels the walkers headed off to the Craigellachie Hotel along the track of the old railway line to Elgin, alongside the Spey, eventually reaching the end of the walk in plenty of time for a relaxing libation. It should be mentioned that the Craigellachie Hotel staff were excellent, reserving a section of the bar for our exclusive use, and providing free tea coffee and biscuits.

[Show slideshow]

Geology for Hill Walkers
2016-12-01 19:30 - 21:30 | Cults School, Earlswells, Cults, Aberdeen, AB15 9RG
Talk by John Howell

Glen Feardar Walk
2016-11-13 08:00 - 18:00
Glen Feardar

Date
13 November 2016
Map
OS 43. 44

Map Ref
Longer Walk
Shorter Walk
Map Ref

START
NO 189912
Keiloch
Keiloch
START
NO 189912

Click on Map Ref for Map
Felagie
Felagie

Meall Gorm
Middleton of Aberader

Bhonic
Balmore

Auchtavan

Creag Bheag
Creag Bheag

Tullochcoy
Tullochcoy

FINISH
NO 234938
Inver

Inver
FINISH
NO 234938

Distance
10 mls
16 km
8 mls
12 km

Height
2,050 ft
620 m
1,050 ft
320 m

Glen Feardar Blog
2016-11-13 08:00 - 17:00
The walk for November had three planned walk options; two longer walks, one taking in a couple of higher hill tops while the second one headed round the base of the tops, and a shorter low level walk heading to Auchtavan.
All three walks started at Keiloch with cloudy weather but still reasonably dry. The two longer walk groups started off first, heading up or round Meall Gorm and then north round past Glen Fearder. The higher group headed up into the snow to Bhonic while the lower group headed to and stopped off for lunch at Auchtavan. All three groups proceeded down through Creag Bheag and the silver birch wood to Inver just before or as the weather started to close in.
But during the walk, even with the cloudy weather, the autumn colours were exceptional.
Routes
Longer Lower Route

[Show thumbnails]

Higher Route

[Show slideshow]

Quiz Night Cancelled
2016-11-11 19:30 - 22:30
On Friday 11 November 2016
at Kippie Lodge, North Deeside Road, Milltimber
The evening begins at 7.30 pm
This event has unfortunately been cancelled.

Supper is Lasagne with garlic bread and salad leaves.
Graham Payne will be quiz master with questions on a range of subjects.
Make up your teams with friends, family and other guests.
Tickets available from Committee Members.
Prizes for the winning team.
NB. No phoning friends please!

+ Google Calendar+ iCal Export

Details

Date:
November 11
Time:

7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Venue

Kippie Lodge

N Deeside Rd, Milltimber,
Aberdeen, AB13 0AB United Kingdom + Google Map

How Maps Have Changed
2016-11-03 19:30 - 21:30 | Cults School, Earlswells, Cults, Aberdeen, AB15 9RG
Talk by Mike Wood

Conachraig Walk
2016-10-16 08:00 - 18:00
Conachraig

Date
16 October 2016
Map
OS 44

Map Ref
Longer Walk
Shorter Walk
Map Ref

START
NO 263 950
Crathie
Crathie
START
NO 263 950

Click on Map Ref for Map
Easter Balmoral
Easter Balmoral

Little Conachraig
Letteraitten

Conachraig
Tom Bad a’Mhonaidh

Clais Rathadan

Allt na Giubhsaich
Allt na Giubhsaich

FINISH
NO 310 851
Spittal of Glenmuick

Spittal of Glenmuick
FINISH
NO 310 851

Distance
10 mls
16 km
9 mls
14 km

Height
2,480 ft
760 m
1,040 ft
320 m

Conacraig Blog
2016-10-16 08:00 - 17:00
We made a last minute decision to reverse the route as high winds were forecast later in the day. So this would enable the longer walkers to get to the top of Conachraig before the winds. This proved to be a good decision but unfortunately there were no views from the top and Lochnagar remained in cloud. There was a good path up and short heather on the way down. Views were much better on the way down and the first group of longer walkers just about missed the rain. The short walkers were a large group of 28 and walked at a good pace on the track all the way to Crathie. They arrived well in front of the rain and some members of the group even managed a visit to Crathie Kirk where they were given a guided tour.
Routes

[Show slideshow]

The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
2016-10-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Cults Community Centre, Earlswells, Cults, Aberdeen, AB15 9RG
Talk by Sheri Karl/Neal Weston

11 September 2016, Geal Charn and Ailnack Gorge
2016-09-11 08:00 - 17:00
The September walk was in an area not visited by the club before and proved to be a popular outing with 38 walking on the day. The group on the shorter route set off from Bridge of Brown on the path beside Allt Iomadaidh and on to the estate property at Fae. Then east on track to Ailnack Gorge (a most unusual feature) and via Delnabo to Tomintoul. The two groups on the longer route set off from Dorback Lodge to the top of a very windy Geal Charn before dropping down to the Ailnack Water at Ca-du Ford. This section was not suited to those with vertigo but was safely navigated by all and with some relief the main track along Ailnack Gorge was reached. After admiring the views the group set off on the final section to Tomintoul for very welcome refreshments.

[Show slideshow]

15 May 2016, Glas Maol/ Carn Ait
2016-05-15 08:00 - 19:00
We had 33 walkers on our May walk. In the end nobody opted for the lower walk. We split into 3 groups, one group doing the higher walk and the other two the alternative. We all set off from the car park opposite the ski centre at Glenshee and headed up Glas Maol. At the top the higher walkers headed straight on to Monega Hill whereas the other two groups turned right and headed up Creag Leacach. They walked along a rocky ridge which included Cairn Ait. The weather was ideal for walking and the visibility very good. The bus met us all at the Spittal of Glenshee. A phone call ensured that ‘The Bothy’ in Braemar stayed open and refreshments were had there and in the Invercauld Arms before heading home.

[Show thumbnails]

13 March 2016, Peter Hill
2016-03-13 08:00 - 17:00
A full bus left for Finzean to recreate the first walk to Peter Hill that the club did 40 years ago. The weather was kind enough and on the way down from the top we met with a group who had been on the original walk in 1976. We all met up afterwards at the Feughside Inn where drinks were had to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the club. There was also a celebratory cake.

[Show slideshow]
