My ankle had been recovering but was inflamed again after the Deeside Way and yesterday’s walk so while the other two went for a walk I bought the Observer newspaper and spent a couple of hours in the former railway terminus. It’s been beautifully restored after a fire in 2015 and serves as a tearoom and information centre. A replica of Queen Victoria’s carriage is the centrepiece and her ornate private waiting room can be viewed.
It was raining when I came out at midday so I sheltered to eat my sandwiches and went for a short stroll along the river when it stopped then sat on a bench reading. It was too windy for comfort so I sat with a pint of Deuchars ale in the Balmoral Bar until the others arrived, then shopped and cooked for us all.