Travellers’ tales: On home ground
Where: Aberdeenshire & Moray
Who: Vivienne Hutchings
When: May 2025
With a forecast of settled weather, a two-day window of opportunity and a bike space available on the train, I set off for a 60-mile ride around Aberdeenshire and Moray. I’d visit some family and places with childhood memories.
I left Huntly at midday and pootled along quiet roads through forest and moorland, by rivers renowned for fishing, and past established estates known for their wildlife and outdoor pursuits. I camped just outside Dufftown at a peaceful campsite.
I pootled along quiet roads through forest and moorland, by rivers renowned for fishing, and past established estates known for their wildlife and outdoor pursuits Vivienne Hutchings
The next day I followed country roads through the Moray villages of Newmill, Knock and Rothiemay. I enjoyed the undulating agricultural landscape around the high point of Knock Hill, before crossing back into Aberdeenshire for the last leg of my journey.
Now that I’m older, I realise I can no longer cover as much ground. But I was pleased to be out exploring, thankful for what I can still achieve.
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