Day 10 - Gelder Shiel to Stables of Lee

Our morning started about 6am when we all awoke. We were on the trail at 7am. It was toasty warm in the bothy for sleeping.

We were on our way to Shielin of Mark bothy today but we knew we would end up going further. We did stop and have lunch in the bothy.

It was still a short day - great for resting up the body. The scenery and weather made this hike seem quintessentially Scottish. The cloud started to move off as we reached the peak of our hike. We had a 360 degree view taking in Loch Nagar and around. It was amazing.

We had a lot of off track hiking in peat hags and heather. Please note: we still hate heather, it is the devil’s plant.

We were very lucky for the dry Spring here as it made our pass through the hags easier than usual. I had one step directly into a crevice - another slapstick moment as I hit the ground and couldn’t move. Pete ( who we hiked with all day) and Kir had to rescue me.

Our descent to the track was tough on the knees but we made it to the Stables of Lee. OS Locate App has truly been a lifesaver. We are camped out with Pete, Tim, and Douglas tonight- our bothy mates. We all struggle to make it until 8pm- a legit bedtime. Tomorrow will likely be an early start into Tarfside. We can pick up some scones and real food- yum. We will probably camp farther than Tarfside to shorten our coming days. Can’t believe we are in the homestretch.

Wildlife today:
Grouse and nest of 8 eggs
Hare
Frog

PS JM, we can here the stream tonight!

Nighty night