July 22

River Tay, Kinnoull Hill, Perthshire, 9:28am 13th July 2022

River Tay, Kinnoull Hill, Perthshire, 9:28am 13th July 22.

Diary: July, 22

This month I rambled the North East highland coastal path, avoiding the midges of the western isles. I hitch-hiked to Peterhead then rambled north along the coastal path to Fraserburgh, Rosehearty, Gardenstown turning westward towards Macduff and Banff.

30th

Woke in friends bed, realised I’d been scorched red by the sun over the last few days.

Today I decided to walk from Banff to Gardenstown. Another red and black stalker, this one came from Cullen cove near McDuff.

But I sure would not let the "strangers" destroy my walk.

After a long roadside walk I arrived in Gardenstown.

I hitched a ride from a woman travelling to McDuff, I was glad to leave Gardens town.

Walking towards Banff I become aware of a man loosing his religion whilst practicing Karaoke in MacDuff Harbour.

28th

Pitched my tent near Huntly castle, home of Clan Gordon.

27th

After saying goodbye to Harry I walked over the Tay Bridge.

The footpath, inbetween two roads was a lengthy walk, I was relieved to reach the end of it.

At the otherside was a car park, and a cafe. A blonde german woman was waiting but not waiting, odd.

I walked East along the side of the coastal path.

It was a long walk out of Dundee after catching a bus into the city, the place disturbs me.

I hitched two rides to Scone, stopped in a pub, before hitching out of Perth. After three rides I landed in Huntly.

26th

Today Harry took me to see his camp site.

But the day was not without a stalker, they come when I visit new (urban) places, I suspect to make sure my life is deserted.

After fish and chips supper moi and Harry took a sunset walk across the beach.

Harry conquering a climbing stone.

TBH, I did not know what to make of Harry, for a moment I saw his other face that believed me to be a really bad person.

25th

Rested at Harrys today.

24th

Today I visited Huntly Castle. And relaxed in Coopers Park.

The local Huntly pub, the royal Oak was a dump, the publicans were annoying and abrasive. I hitchiked down to Stonehaven, the rain was pouring down. Harry came to meet me then drove me to his home in Carnoustie

22nd

Woken early, packed up my tent and recommenced my walk north.

Walked for four miles until I arrived in a small coastal village named Pennan.

The German lady in the hotel was mad, she only half filled my water bottle.

Arriving in Banff I found a friendly bar named the Castle Inn.

Landlord is incredible, he buys rounds of drinks for his customers.

21st

Woke up a couple of miles north of Peterhead.

The road to the Broch (Fraserburgh) was long and straight, police cars passed by often, later I was told this was to protect an oil refinery; from climate change protestors?

As I walked north a tiny camper van stopped (otherside of the road), I walked over curious to find a man (named Harry) whom I’d seen at a Peterhead bar (the Calley) last night offering me a lift. He took me to the Broch, I found a nice bakery in the town named “Bruce” before walking into the Ship inn, located by the harbour. Outside the bar, I met another man I’d seen at the Waverley bar in Peterhead.

Endearing he walked into the bar with me, bought me a pint, shook my hand and said “Welcome to the Broch”. The men here drank drams of whisky washed down with a half pint of larger / ale. An hour later I took a walk across the harbour.

And then reluctantly left the Broch to continue my walk across the eastern highland coastline.

Wild flowers on this coastline are so bonnie.

Restful places to reflect. Walked by a lookout tower in Rosehearty.

Bonnie coastline.

Last stretch of coastline walk today.

Dundarg Castle.

In the evening I pitched my tent on New Aberdour Beach.

Enjoyed coffee.

After I drew water from a spring.

Only one creep came near my tent to try and see me otherwise I had a peaceful night’s sleep, being so close to the sea was emotional but also calming.