Day 8 — short trip (only 16km) from White Bridge River Dee to Braemar via Mar Lodge

I am really looking forward to actually see Mar Lodge with their thousands of deer antlers. Was there in March already, but was not open at the time. They apparently also have a Cafe open … also needed, because I ate my last food yesterday evening already.

3 other tents were build up by last evening … guess it was a popular stop. I left last at around 08:15 and made it to Mar Lodge (about 4 km before at the Linn of Dee there were signs already indicating that there is Coffee and Tea for TGOC participants) just before 10:00.

Looks different here … more loose rocks and heather bushes

I was a little disappointed as the Lodge itself was closed and the TGOC meeting point was in the stables. If you want to know why I was sad – and with the knowledge that I am a hunter/stalker – check that one out https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3698725

The TGOC attendees that so far made it to the Mar Lodge (not a mandatory, but popular route via Braemar)

The Victoria bridge (yes, donated by the former Queen) that was still closed in March when I was in Braemar the last time.

Road to Braemar and the Mar Lodge Estate with the Munros – great walking there!

I arrived at the restaurant next to the sports store about at noon and they had one full breakfast left – I took it together with a Beer 🍺

First thing I did when entering Braemar was to head to the pharmacy and buy some pain medication and IBU cream for my foot / toe. Hope it works! And, I bought two pair of socks and a sleeping bag liner because I was rather cold the last nights.

At 16:30 my son Daniel should arrive with the bus from Aberdeen and tonight we go to the Flying Stag Bar at the Five Arms Hotel, which is one of the leading hotels in the UK … in the middle of the Scotish Highlands (https://thefifearms.com/eat-drink/).

Braemar Brewery – very nice tasting – Thanks

Daniel arrived and we immediately went to the Braemar Brewery – Daniel studying Beverage Technology and me with a more than 30 year interest in craft brewing (and a Master of Science in Brewing and Distilling as I may want to add) were delighted about the tasting tour triggered by my comment that I did not particularly enjoy one of their beers last time I was in Braemar.

At 19:00 we had Dinner at the Five Arms Hotel in their bar restaurant named Flying Stag … wonder why? See the picture!