Each year, the Tibet Support Group organise a sponsored walk. This year the venue was Glen Quoich, west of Braemar, Deeside.
Having
been scheduled for a the first day in July, we had some really fine summer
weather, with just enough cloud-cover to keep the heat to acceptable levels.
As such we couldn't really have asked for a better day. The turnout of
around 28 walkers was as good or better than most years.
The route took us between the hills Northwest
of Linn of Dee, along the river to the point where a track
leads upwards throught the forest to the summit, where we paused for lunch.
From here we descended to join the road at Mar Lodge, and completed the
journey back to the start-point alongside this road.
click
the image for a larger version
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!
Other Walks: Forvie Pressendye ~Baudy Meg ~Scolty Hill ~ Pannanich Hill ~ Linn of Dee ~ Glenbuchat
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