Aberdeenshire

Mr.Nice. wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com:

Hmm...sort of...

I'm about 150 miles from Aberdeen but used to live closer. What do you want to know?

Derry

I'm going to be working in that area for a couple of days in late january, I'm after a local insight into the road/driving conditions and the feasability and location of some tracks to take me away from the roads somewhat.

I'm photographing landscapes there for a scottish magazine, There will be 3 of us but only one vehicle (my 1984 110 csw).

Regards. Mark.(AKA, Mr.Nice.)

January is about the time up here when we get snow up here (I'm only a few miles away from Derry). Badger who also posts on here is closer to Aberdeen than we are though.

Take a couple of shovels, tow rope and whatever else you need to keep you warm/fed if you get stuck anywhere. I wouldn't personally worry about it - the only piece of advice I'd give you would be to keep your vehicle's fuel tank full as possible in case you need to run the vehicle heater to keep you warm if you get stuck.

If there is snow then you should get some really nice pictures. I wouldn't try going up tracks that are more than 1ft deep of snow on normal tyres - remember you'll hit drifts somewhere that will be much deeper.

Have fun!

Regards

William MacLeod

Handy to know, I could use someone to phone if I get stuck...

Check and check. I'll have my stove fitted in the back (butane) and a supply of food, water and 3 sleeping bags.

Duly noted. I don't yet know what kind of tyres I'll have on, they may be 50/50 radials or they may be deestone (aggressive mud) cross plies. I hope to have some snow chains but iff not I'll have some pre-cut nylon rope for the tyres.

Regards. Mark.(AKA, Mr.Nice.)

Mr.Nice. wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com:

Ditto to Willie's advice.

You'll find this site very useful if you have access to a computer while up here:

As far as I can remember, the only people who ever had to be helicoptered out were some hippies living at the Bridge of Brown, near Grantown-on-Spey! The locals had a good laugh!

Considering what you'll be doing and where, I think chains would definitely be a good idea, but you probably won't need them. If you get stuck, contact a local farmer. Most are very helpful. I have had a few occasions to be unpleasantly surprised at how bad Land Rovers are in the mud, the last time having the indignity of being towed out by a tractor.

For your tracks, I think I would invest in some 1" Ordnance Survey maps (or whatever scale they are these days!). Come to think of it, I may have a set here which I can loan you if you email me privately -- but they may be 20 years out of date!

Are you restricted to Aberdeenshire or just assume that it will be typically Scottish and the best bet scenically??

Derry

Some of the people I'll be visiting have internet access so I'll see them for updates.

I'm hoping to arrange some chains.

I'm shooting for a magazine and they have asked mainly for aberdeenshire, but also...... where's the bloody list now, hang on...

"Rural Aberdeenshire, Lanarkshire, Lochaber, Berwickshire and the borders"

I've decided to concentrate on Aberdeenshire but if I have the time I'll also be trying to cover the other areas.

I have other business whilst up there in Ardrossan in Ayreshire, also Glasgow, Aberdeen, Edinborough and St Andrews.

Regards. Mark.(AKA, Mr.Nice.)

Mr.Nice. wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com:

Aberdeenshire is the best I can do. The weather forecasts should keep you right.

If you need any help, give a shout!

Derry

Well, you may as well cover Lanarkshire en route from Ayrshire/Glasgow to Edinburgh as it's about half way between.

Lochaber is vaguely on route from Aberdeen->Glaasgow if you decide to come cross country through Inverness.

P.

In the new manuscript , Mr.Nice. penned the following script...

Mark,

Check my website for some scenery up this neck o' the woods, I do a lot of photography this way and cover the whole of the North East. I know the area fairly well so if you needs tips ideas shout.

Drop us a email via the website if you have specifics.

Weather in January is changeable, sometimes heavy snowfalls but roads are usually fairly 'clear' with careful driving (I drive a Focus). However with heavy falls it can get rather hairy. Main things to watch out for is black ice, particularly in the rural parts.

Local police number is 0845 600-5-700 for non-emergencies.

Oh and a website if you need help with weather:

You might find this usefull.

To be more precise it's about 30 miles west of Aberdeen at a place called Aboyne.

best wishes Gail

In the new manuscript , Gail Stevens penned the following script...

Aboyne has it's weather climate, in fact as you head to Braemar you often find varying conditions that's completely different to the rest of Aberdeenshire!

For example, I once was driving through a rainstorm from Aberdeen and when I got past Aboyne it was a blisteringly hot day!