Encountering Royalty above Loch Callater - 23 Aug 07

Carn an t-Sagairt Mor (1047m / M)
Cairn Bannoch (1012m / M)
Broad Cairn (998m / M)


Left carpark by Auchallater (few miles south of Braemar) at 9:35am, before heading up the 5km estate track to Lochcallater Lodge. From there, a narrow track north leading up the hillside for a short section, before traversing east above Loch Callater and then cutting up between Creag an Loch and Carn an t-Sagairt Mor. Left the path to follow a fence line directly to the summit, stopping to look at plane wreckage (50 Squadron Canberra - January 1956) - scattered jet engine, wing section, etc - before arriving at the cairn(s) by 11:30 (the guide book reckoned 3hrs 10mins?!). From there, made the decision to head on to Cairn Bannoch as the terrain was a gently undulating grassy plateau resulting in quick progress. Reached the third Munro, Broad Cairn, by 12:45 (3hrs 15mins). Had a short stop for lunch, before retracing steps back west. Bailey suffering in heat and with a lack of lying water, so traversed round Cairn Bannoch (instead of revisiting the summit), to take a b-line to a small lochain. Ascended a short distance up Carn an t-Sagairt Mor to join the track back down towards Loch Callater. Feeling exhausted, I noticed a well dressed chap wearing a kilt striding along the narrow path towards us. As he got closer, he beared a canny resemblance to Prince Charles. "Nah, it can't be.. Is it? Naahhhhh. Oh God, it is! And I'm looking in a right state!". I stood at the side to let him through and we exchanged greetings as we brushed shoulders, "Afternoon!", "Hi there", "You're being towed along I see!", "Aye, at least in the right direction for once - it's a lovely day, isn't it?", "It is indeed". So that was that - my royal encounter with the future king - interestingly unaccompanied by anyone else, but it must be nice to get away for it all for once. Needless to say, with this in mind I didn't stop to trouble him any further, though he was genuinely very pleasant. Descended to Lochcallater Lodge where two of his vehicles were parked, with some folk standing outside keeping an eye out. With legs seizing up, I hobbled the final 5km to the car, before heading to the Inver Hotel for a pint of shandy and crisps, then home.

My only regret from this trip is that I didn't ask Charles to take a picture of me and the dog!

Weather: Scorching. Blue skies and sun with a gentle breeze - summer has arrived at last?
Wildlife: Grouse, hares, pheasants, sheep, cockerel - much of it seen on the road(!), but lots on the hill too - Bailey having a great time!

Map miles: 15
Time taken: 6 hours
Companion: Bailey