Rounding off 2014.

Ae Forest Adventures

My friend Lorraine and I had a lovely wander round Ae with our dogs on Hogmanay (during the day I might add not when the bell's were ringing) It was a brilliant way to round off 2014.  As with my Drumlanrig Walks blog I'm not going to outline one specific route but put up some of my pictures taken on various walks in Ae over the past year.  Ae Forest is one of my favourite places, It's an excellent place for walking, running and mountain biking - all of I have participated in during the year. 

Me trying out my map skills.

Ae Village itself has the claim to fame of having the shortest place name in the United Kingdom, it also has one of the largest forests too.  Nearest postcode is DG1 1QB
Car park grid refs are:
First car park nearest the cafe'   NX 984 894 and second car park nearest the trails with room for parking a horse box or large vehicle ie camper van mini bus etc NX 983 902

Talking of cafe's the one here is excellent and has a Mountain Biking supplies shop attached.  There are also shower facilities available for a small charge.  The shop has shorter opening hours in the Winter months so could be a good idea to check before you head up there if you wish to have something to eat.   I purchased a waterproof map of the forest from the cafe' for £2.00 which folds up small and can be easily popped into a pocket.  These may not always be available however so it might be best to be prepared in advance .  The trails are all posted and signed according to use.  Just be careful not to stray onto the MTB single track areas.  The Forest is there for everyone to enjoy as long as we exercise some common sense and not put ourselves or others in danger.

Keep dogs under close control, and pick up after them.  

So here are a few photos to give you an idea of what to expect.

The first two are taken from the low level route, very easy walking.

Looking back to the village from the road leading to the car park.

Just one of the delicious drinks available from the cafe' just what you need on a cold Winter day.

Christmas Santa Run 2013

This photo and the one above are taken from a higher level walk which does involve a bit of uphill walking, the views are brilliant though and well worth the effort.

Hope you feel inspired to go along to Ae.  Here are a couple of links to some further information.

http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/visit/forest-of-ae
https://www.facebook.com/AeBikeshopandCafe