The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Walking Guide for every reader
Though she lives the jetset lifestyle now, flying up and down the country for work, Cat Cubie owes part of her success to the north-east, writes Colene Woolcott
Welcome to day four of Walk This Way, which starts by heading north to the royal burgh of Dornoch. From Dornoch Links take a coastal path, past the Cholera Grave – the people of Dornoch refused entry to the corpse to stave off the disease and so he was buried just outside – and on to the pier at Embo.
Next up is a place of serious historic-importance– Prince Charlie’s Cave on Skye. His faithful follower, Flora MacDonald, disguised him as a woman to smuggle him to Skye, and he spent his final night in this cave.
The cave is accessible for only an hour or so each side of low tide, but the walk itself is rewarding with some stunning views.
Heading west we reach Flowerdale Glen, by Gairloch. Green-fingered walkers will admire a path lined by rhododendrons, which leads to Flower dale house, which played guest to Primeminister Lloyd george. A pretty water fall is surrounded by wild glens full of rustic beauty.
Down the Moray coast we take on a leg stretcher from the town of Aberlour to Linn of Ruthrie. Visiting a double waterfall, the path also winds past Aberlour Distillery, before dipping back down into town where you can have a well-deserved dram.
Back to our regal theme, we visit Royal Deeside, following a trail from Banchory to Crathes Castle. Following the Royal Deeside railway line, visitors can take a detour to the castle to view sits spectacular walled gardens, before heading back via Milton of Crathes craft village.
Finally we touch upon modern-day royalty with a royal visit to Loch Muick. The route around this stunning loch touches upon the wilder parts of the Balmoral Estate, holiday location of the current royal family. Indeed, you’ll pass a lodge built for Queen Victoria, which is still used by Queen Elizabeth II today. Prepare for red deer, adder and rare bird sightings on this breathtakingly beautiful route.
BBC weather girl Cat, who was recently announced as the new host of Landward, spent four years in Aberdeen, studying for a psychology degree.
She may go to swanky celeb parties now, but 10 years ago it was Aberdeen’s nightclubs.
“I absolutely loved my time in Aberdeen,” said Cat, the face of our fantastic Walk This Way guides.
“My flat was just off of King Street, just around the corner from the Bobbin, which I believe is still popular with the students, which is good to hear. It wasmy second home — t hat and Amadeus. I’m showing my age now.
“I loved going down to the beach, too. Aberdeen has a beautiful, under-appreciated beach. It’s a lovely place to spend time with friends, but back then I was goin long, angsty walks wit student philosop thoughts.
“A lot has changed i erdeen since I was ther it’s a really exciting pla
Cat and her friend also take a trip upthe co get away from univ work.
“One of my mates’ f had a cottage — well, it derelict house that ha