Although the night had been gusty, it didn't trouble us and by the time we got up and got our kit together all the others who had camped close to the main house, had all gone. The only disturbance during the night was a little rodent visitor in Lee's Scarp. Who apparently was waiting for him in the entrance after he got out to water the roses and stare at the stars!
 The walking into Ballater took place in fine weather and we decided to take the slightly longer route before joining the road, as last time the shorter direct route to the small bridge had been a massive wet bog. The weather was perfect and the welcome at the Alexandra Hotel in Ballater as warm as ever. From what I hear Braemar was a ghost town by comparison. They couldn't do enough for us and managed to fit everyone in for refreshments, food and in Lee and Tony's case, accommodation ...