THE GREATEST HITS OF 2023.

We seem to be setting a rule of not walking in December, although we do go out for lunch. Very good it was too, at Contrast. They looked after us very well indeed.

In order that we don't have walking withdrawal symptoms, I thought a quick blog celebrating the best bits of 2023 would be a nice way to end the year. So, here goes!

JANUARY

For our first walk of the year, we went out to Fairburn. It was cold, windy, sleety and pretty dreich to start with, but that didn't stop us.

Who can forget the magnificence of Fairburn Tower. It is quite imposing and the restoration looks to have been done to a really high standard. It is a shame it couldn't accommodate us all for a weekend away!

It is always nice to see a Red Kite, especially if the sky is blue. It is a pity, I couldn't get the bird in the middle of the frame, but my hands were too cold!

Some of us did manage to get a bit warmer at the Ord Distillery, with a very small dram after our tea and cakes.

Cheers!

FEBRUARY

In February, we went to the Black Isle to walk around Drumderfit. There were some very fine views to be had over Munlochy Bay.

Hay, it was time for lunch in the perfect spot.

Meanwhile, Susan and Robin were having a bite to eat as well. Just not with us.

Nor did they have to struggle with their attire before they took the first step.

The right clothes were essential, it must be said.

MARCH

Spring was on the way when we walked around Cawdor.

The snowdrops were out.

The frogs were at it, too.

It is nice to sit down to luncheon.

What can they be thinking about?

APRIL

Our first weekend away of the year and we were off to sunny Lochaber. It isn't often you can say that, but it certainly was true for our visit.

We started off walking along the River Garry.

We really were very lucky with the weather and the scenery.

And the wildlife.

We ended the first day's walking with a trip to see the three witches pool.

The wild waters.

Then the tranquil waters of Loch Arkaig.

On day 2 we had a number of walks in Glen Nevis.

The weather was glorious.

The dancing, less so.

The walk to Steall Falls was challengingly spectacular.

It was well worth the effort, though.

It was just as spectacular in Glencoe, where Sue and Charlie spent the day.

We were joined by some wildlife for tea and scones back at our hotel.

They were very inquisitive.

Our final day involved a wee walk around the River Spean and up to the Commando Memorial on a stunningly beautiful day.

Hugh was completely bowled over by it all.

What a background to the Memorial.

MAY

In May, we hit the beach.

At Lossiemouth, not the Copacabana! Does the sky give it away?

We used the new bridge to the beach.

A wee bit of wildlife - a Stonechat.

Pam had a go at surfing.

JUNE

For our June walk, we went to Beauly and not for the first time, even if some people thought it was. Does this path look familiar?

It was a hot day, so much so, that we might have contemplated a swim.

Only I was brave enough to go in. It is a shame the camera didn't quite catch the action.

Dave was too busy trying to catch Harvey!

After the walk, Liz scoffed all of the cakes.

JULY

July found a small, select group taking part in the Parkrun at Torvean. In reality they walked around the course, there was no running involved.

I expect they got a ,little lost, because they seemed to be on a stairway to nowhere.

Perhaps that explains the prickly atmosphere.

If only they could have found a handsome prince. It seems nobody was willing to take the chance and give it a kiss. Probably wise, it looks like a toad to me.

AUGUST

More summer fun by the seaside in at Hopeman.

Fine views to the north on a good day.

Lunch on the rocks.

Time to stand and stare at the waves.

SEPTEMBER

Summer was not over and the bees were still on the round of the blooms when we visited Muir of Ord.

There's nothing like a fine specimen of a tree. This one is a little unbalanced, but it still looks good along the stone wall.

Lunch in the trees.

OCTOBER

It was definitely autumn by the time we got to Moy for our walk. I have no odea why Agnes thought she otter do this, but hey ho!

Loch Moy is really pretty and so very close to home.

Our lunch spot was very picturesque indeed.

NOVEMBER

Time for another getaway, this time to Whitebridge Hotel.

We really did have a great time there - and we're going back again next year!

Our first walk of the weekend was around Fort Augustus and it was very cold, indeed.

The cold did give rise to some very nice reflections along the canal.

The floodgates were about to open.

Not before a bit of calmness and serenity, though.

This is when the floodgates really did open!

The weather was a touch less clement the next day, but the scenery more than made up for a bit of wind and rain.

So did the wildlife.

If you've got the bright jacket, what's a bit of rain?

Especially when there is a roaring fire back at the hotel.

All good things must come to an end, and so, we had our last walk of 2023 around the back of Whitebridge. It was all very scenic and interesting, despite the lack of Sea Eagles.

We ended the walk at the White Bridge

This, however, seemed like a good photo to end this wee run through the year that was.

I am sure that next year will be just as memorable.