Each year, the Tibet Support Group organise
a sponsored walk. This year the venue was Glenbuchat, Western Donside.
The purpose of the walk is primarily as
a fundraising event, with sponsors contributing donations based on either
the number of miles walked, or simply a fixed amount for completing the
course.
The
walk could also be said to symbolise, and remind us of, the much more arduous
walk undertaken by many Tibetan refugees who, due to persecution or simply
to seek a better life, cross the mighty Himalayan range, skirting the very
peak of Everest, to reach Dharamsala in northern India. Because of the
risk of being stopped by Chinese forces if seen heading for the hills with
any kind of climbing gear, this much greater trek is often perforce done
by Tibetans in ordinary working clothes -Equipment totally unsuited to
the high-altitude Himalayan passes. It's a tribute to the hardiness
of the Tibetan people that most, though sadly not all, of the trekkers
make it through alive. At least here in Scotland we have the advantage
of boots, waterproofs if needed, a packed lunch and flask of tea,
and - No Chinese border-guards to shoot at us!
Following
the journey out from Aberdeen in rather unsettled weather, the walkers
assembled at Glenbuchat Castle around 11am, for the usual group photo behind
the snow-lion flag. Then it was a short hike along the road north to Easter
Buchat, and onto the hill tracks. The cloudbase was skimming the hilltops
at this time, and it was looking as if we might have to alter our route
to allow for this. Mullbuie Hill, the first rising ground on the route,
is a steep-ish cone, mostly heather-covered with no clear paths. After
this it was on to Little Firbriggs, and a pause here for a cup of tea and
a sandwich. By this time the weather had improved
considerably, the route ahead being clear now. Then on northwest to Meikle
Firbriggs, and a group photo on the summit. Descending into the glen from
here, the sun broke through to give us a very pleasant Scottish summer
afternoon. Crossing over to the southwest side of the glen, we continued
on lower ground, through farmland and the several hamlets which make up
the inhabited part of this rather isolated area, we made our way back to
the castle grounds. Afterwards, the usual tearoom meet to discuss our experiences
- This time at Salad Days, Alford. Highly recommended.
The
annual walk has become something of a tradition with us.The route is chosen
as being suitable for all comers, including relatively inexperienced walkers,
hence there are no Munros or sections requiring climbing techniques -usually
it involves about four or five hours in the hills. Even in the Scottish
summer, when venturing into the hills the carrying of protective clothing
is strongly advised, as the weather can change very rapidly from pleasant
heat to freezing rain. This need not be expensive, simply a good pair of
boots and any kind of warm, reliably-waterprooof coat and trousers. As
a general safety rule, never venture into the hills unprepared for bad
weather.
Anyone
interested in taking part in next year's walk, or helping with the other
fundraising activites is very welcome to contact us. The Group meets regularly
in Aberdeen. Contact person is David Lindsey, tel 01224-314127.
Click
the TSG logo for more images (needs java)
The
walk could also be said to symbolise, and remind us of, the much more arduous
walk undertaken by many Tibetan refugees who, due to persecution or simply
to seek a better life, cross the mighty Himalayan range, skirting the very
peak of Everest, to reach Dharamsala in northern India. Because of the
risk of being stopped by Chinese forces if seen heading for the hills with
any kind of climbing gear, this much greater trek is often perforce done
by Tibetans in ordinary working clothes -Equipment totally unsuited to
the high-altitude Himalayan passes. It's a tribute to the hardiness
of the Tibetan people that most, though sadly not all, of the trekkers
make it through alive. At least here in Scotland we have the advantage
of boots, waterproofs if needed, a packed lunch and flask of tea,
and - No Chinese border-guards to shoot at us!
Following
the journey out from Aberdeen in rather unsettled weather, the walkers
assembled at Glenbuchat Castle around 11am, for the usual group photo behind
the snow-lion flag. Then it was a short hike along the road north to Easter
Buchat, and onto the hill tracks. The cloudbase was skimming the hilltops
at this time, and it was looking as if we might have to alter our route
to allow for this. Mullbuie Hill, the first rising ground on the route,
is a steep-ish cone, mostly heather-covered with no clear paths. After
this it was on to Little Firbriggs, and a pause here for a cup of tea and
a sandwich. By this time the weather had 
improved
considerably, the route ahead being clear now. Then on northwest to Meikle
Firbriggs, and a group photo on the summit. Descending into the glen from
here, the sun broke through to give us a very pleasant Scottish summer
afternoon. Crossing over to the southwest side of the glen, we continued
on lower ground, through farmland and the several hamlets which make up
the inhabited part of this rather isolated area, we made our way back to
the castle grounds. Afterwards, the usual tearoom meet to discuss our experiences
- This time at Salad Days, Alford. Highly recommended.
The
annual walk has become something of a tradition with us.The route is chosen
as being suitable for all comers, including relatively inexperienced walkers,
hence there are no Munros or sections requiring climbing techniques -usually
it involves about four or five hours in the hills. Even in the Scottish
summer, when venturing into the hills the carrying of protective clothing
is strongly advised, as the weather can change very rapidly from pleasant
heat to freezing rain. This need not be expensive, simply a good pair of
boots and any kind of warm, reliably-waterprooof coat and trousers. As
a general safety rule, never venture into the hills unprepared for bad
weather.
Anyone
interested in taking part in next year's walk, or helping with the other
fundraising activites is very welcome to contact us. The Group meets regularly
in Aberdeen. Contact person is David Lindsey, tel 01224-314127.
