On Saturday 4th July a small group of AMCers embarked on a Scuz-designed challenge from 'Sea to Summit'. The challenge involved taking a dip in the Sea at Torry Battery followed by a 110km road cycle to the Linn of Dee. From there, the group were to climb to the summit of Ben Macdui and camp high for the evening. Some cyclists opted for a mountain bike ride from Duthie Park along the Deeside Way to Ballater before regrouping at the Linn of Dee with the others for the hiking stage.
Starting the day with a dip in the sea at Torry Battery
The road cyclists setting off on the journey from Torry to the Linn of Dee
The weather switched between overcast, light showers and heavier downpours throughout the morning.
The mountain bikers set off from Duthie Park and cycled along the Deeside Way to Ballater, here at Cambus o' May
Mark and Judith provided some refreshments for both groups at their house in Aboyne, delicious French toast! This kept everyone going until Braemar.
Coffee, soup and cake stop in Braemar before the final 6 miles to the Linn of Dee. Very soggy by now.
The group all met up at the car park before the long walk in to Derry Lodge then up Sron Riach to the summit of Ben Macdui. Intermittent showers blew through, with limited views from the summit at 8pm.
From there the group descended a short distance NE to camp high near the burn between the summit and Garbh Uisge Mor, high above Carn Etchachan.
The following day the long 17km descent via Loch Etchachan and Glen Derry was made, with weather brightening as the day wore on.
The group stopping for a snack at the Hutchison Memorial Hut
Congratulations to everyone who took part, it was a long and challenging day but thoroughly enjoyable despite the wet weather. What adventure will be next?
