Scotland 2019 19: Deeside

I didn't know it at the time I booked our accommodation in Pitlochry, but our stay coincided exactly with the Blair Castle International Horse Trials.  Since we're fans of neither crowds nor horses, we decided to head out towards Braemar for a bit of peace.  Although the weather wasn't great, the views were still pretty spectacular - especially going past the Glenshee Ski Centre and the subsequent drop into the village of Braemar itself. 

Once in Braemar we headed west along Deeside towards the Mar Lodge Estate Nature Reserve.

The previous pictures were taken at a viewpoint overlooking a bend in the river Dee.  The road sign warned us to look out for wildlife; but, initially, the only thing we found was a desiccated (and rather dead) toad on the footpath.  After a little bit of hunting, however, I discovered one of its brethren - this time very much alive - hiding in the undergrowth.

The lookout point is clearly a place for deceased humans as well as toads, with several memorial plaques with fresh flowers on the hillside.

Next stop, the Mar Lodge Estate.