Log No 32. Wed 1st May 2013 - Aberdeen to Collieston, 19 miles (529 miles walked)

Reality was okay after all, 19 miles at a fairly relaxed pace caused no problems. It was good not to have any timings to meet and being able to please myself when & where I stop for the night.

It was sunny when I set off at 10.00 but dark clouds ahead and behind me weren't promising.

I walked on the promenade out of Aberdeen then followed the road to the bridge over the River Don, returning to the coast along the north side of the river.

From the car park I took the sandy footpath along the top of the dunes next to the golf course.

When the path dropped down for the first stream crossing I stayed on the beach, it was 11.30.

All I could see ahead of me was mile after mile of sand, I didn't know if I was going to enjoy this, 10 miles of sand with only the dunes on my left.

I met dog walkers to start with but soon left them behind and stopped for a short lunch break opposite Blackdog Farm.

There were some more dog walkers at Balmedie but for most of the time it was just me.

The rain clouds seemed to be giving me a miss and I was only catching the occasional short shower but I was obliged to put my waterproofs on just before I reached the Ythan when I caught a heavier than normal shower.

What I thought was flocks of birds by the side of the river turned out to be a large colony of seals. They were on the far side and were quite a tourist attraction.

I had just completed 3 hours of beach walking were the only entertainment was looking to see if mine were the only footprints in the area.

I followed the side of the river into Newburgh and stayed by the road until over the bridge.

I'd hoped there might be a cafe in Newburgh, but no and even the hotel looked shut.

Once I was across the River Ythan I had my second short break before taking a track back to the coast.

Thia area was the Forvie Nature Reserve and a good footpath went all the way to Collieston and I got there at 16.30.

The map showed a cliff path from the village but there were no signs for it so I found my own way up from the car park.

I was going to be looking for somewhere to stop within the next 4 miles but after only half an hour decided this spot would do.

It was only 5 o'clock but the sun was shining so I could have a good relaxing evening and I was pleasantly surprised to find I had covered 19 miles.